Non-equilibrium split Hopkinson pressure bar procedure for non-parametric identification of complex modulus

A split Hopkinson pressure bar procedure was developed for non-parametric identification of complex modulus under conditions of non-equilibrium and axially non-uniform stress. Two simplified procedures were also established. The first requires low frequency and/or short specimen. The second, identical to a classical procedure based on equilibrium, requires that also the specimen-to-bar characteristic impedance ratio be low. Both overestimate the magnitude of the complex modulus, the second even at low frequencies. Tests were carried out with polymethyl methacrylate and aluminium bars and with polypropylene specimens having diameter 20 mm and lengths 10, 20, 50 and 100 mm. The complex moduli identified are in good to fair agreement with published results up to 10 kHz for all specimens with polymethyl methacrylate bars and for the 10–50 mm specimens with aluminium bars. The quality of the results is sensitive to truncation and to imperfect contact at the bar-specimen interfaces.