A cutting-edge impact testing device has been designed to simulate events like vehicular collisions or debris strikes on structures. This machine utilizes a 200 kg pneumatic projectile capable of moving horizontally at speeds up to 50 m/s, producing a maximum kinetic energy of 125 kJ through varied mass and velocity combinations. The projectile, 214 mm in diameter, offers interchangeable impact faces like circles, squares, or elliptical noses for diverse impact scenarios. A unique braking system with a crush tube ensures safety if the projectile isn’t halted upon impact. This tube can absorb the projectile’s energy. The machine is equipped with a sophisticated data collection system, recording data for 50 ms to 1 s durations. Additionally, two synchronized high-speed DIC cameras capture imagery at 50,000 frames/second, enabling detailed analysis of strains, deformations, and acceleration in impacted structures through the 3D DIC technique.
