Dynamic high speed tensile tester

A method for determining the tensile characteristics of a sample under dynamic conditions, the sample having opposing first and second ends, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing first and second clamping jaws formed. to grippingly engage the ends of the sample;
• causing said first clamping jaw to grippingly engage the first end of the sample;
• causing said second clamping jaw to grippingly engage the second end of the sample;
• accelerating said clamping jaws and the sample in unison to a predetermined test velocity, such that said clamping jaws and said sample are subjected to movement in unison in a selected linear direction;
• then
• instantaneously fixing said first clamping jaw to prevent further movement thereof without impeding the movement of the second clamping jaw;
• then
• continuing the movement of said second clamping jaw in said selected linear direction away from said first clamping jaw and at the test velocity;
• and
• measuring tensile force applied to the sample.

An apparatus for testing tensile properties of a sample under dynamic conditions, said apparatus comprising:

• first and second clamping means for selectively gripping spaced apart locations on the sample;
• coupling means for releasably coupling said first and second clamping means to one another;
• accelerating means for accelerating said first and second clamping means to a selected test velocity and for movement of said first and second clamping means in unison and in a selected linear direction;
• catch means mounted at least partly on said first clamping means for substantially instantaneously stopping said movement of said first clamping means after said first and second clamping means have been accelerated by the accelerating means to the selected test velocity, while permitting continued movement of said second clamping means at said test velocity;
• and
• measurement means in proximity to at least one of said first and second clamping means for measuring at least a tensile load applied to the sample after the movement of the first clamping means is stopped by the catch means.