A new technique for tensile testing of engineering materials and composites at high strain rates.

A new test technique and bespoke apparatus to conduct high strain rate measurements of the tensile response of materials are presented. The new test method is applicable to brittle solids and composites as well as high-performance fibres, yarns and tapes used in composite construction. In this study, the dynamic response of monolithic poly(methyl methacrylate) and unidirectional composites based on Dyneema (R) tape, Dyneema (R) SK75 yarn and Kevlar (R) 49 yarn are explored. The technique allows early force equilibrium and yields valid tensile stress-strain curves, which include part of the elastic material response. The new method also enables investigation of size effects in tape and yarn materials, allowing testing of specimens of arbitrary length.