A Review of the Torsional Split Hopkinson Bar

Mechanical behavior of materials at medium and high strain rates (101∼104 s−1) is the foundation of developing mechanical theories, building material models, and promoting engineering design and construction. The torsional split Hopkinson bar (TSHB) is an effective experimental technique for measuring the pure shear mechanical properties of materials at high strain rates. In this study, the state-of-the-art in TSHB experimental technique is presented. Five typical types of TSHB loading mechanisms, i.e., prestored energy loading, explosive loading, direct impact loading, flywheel loading, and electromagnetic loading, were systematically reviewed. The TSHB fundamentals were outlined, which include elementary components, basic assumptions, working principles, the pulse shaping technique, specimen design, and the single-pulse loading technique. In addition, the combined loading and high/low temperature experimental techniques, which were developed based on TSHB, were also discussed in detail. Nearly all necessary elements for conducting a TSHB experiment and analyzing the experimental data were provided. Some research directions should be further pursued, such as extending the range of applicable materials and developing the combined loading techniques.