Design and Calibration of a Large-Scale 155-mm Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar

The investigation of inhomogeneous materials under dynamic conditions presents several challenges, particularly with regard to testing the dynamic properties of concrete, which requires the use of a large-scale split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The present study aims to address these challenges by designing and calibrating a 155 mm diameter SHPB. The design and construction of the apparatus are described, and its data processing, including wave pulse dispersion correction, is assessed to ensure accurate representation of stress and deformation conditions. The apparatus is validated through experiments on brittle (confined concrete) and ductile (copper) specimens. The results demonstrate the ability of SHPB to characterize the dynamic properties of large-scale specimens and to correct dispersed signals in the bar, allowing for the accurate determination of specimen surface pulses. Validity of the results is confirmed through one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) wave analyses. Therefore, the 155 mm diameter SHPB setup has shown excellent performance in deriving the dynamic properties of large-diameter specimens. This study provides evidence to support the conclusion that the utilization of a 155 mm SHPB setup enables the experimental assessment of dynamic properties in large-diameter specimens. This conclusion is directly supported by the analysis of test data obtained from confined concrete samples and copper materials.