High Strain Rate VHS Systems

Instron VHS System

The Instron VHS is designed to perform tests from quasi-static to high strain rates of up to 1000/s, offering an integrated solution for a wide range of high strain rate testing requirements.

Features

• Static Load Capacity: 35 kN to 160 kN
• Dynamic Load Capacity: 50 kN to 100 kN
• Nominal Stroke: 300 mm to 600 mm
• Capable of velocities up to 25 m/s
• Electronically interlocked protective enclosure
• High-stiffness load frames
• Patented FastJaw gripping solution
• VHS8800MT controller and high-speed data acquisition package with 8 channels and very high sample rate
• Operates at a 280 bar supply pressure that results in higher acceleration velocity and load performance
• Stable operation of actuators for low and high strain rates alike

The Instron VHS can characterize dynamic properties of strain rate dependent materials across a wide range of velocities, investigating material failure under high strain rate impact and identifying the most optimal design for weight.

High strain rate applications and research areas include:

• Characterization of metals, composites and polymers from quasi-static up to strain rates of 1000/s (specimen dependent)
• Cumulative damage of aerospace components under high strain rate impact
• Crash impact of automotive vehicles
• Tensile impact on parachute cords and seatbelts
• Weight reduction of components

Instron VHS machines comply with following test standards

• High strain rate tensile: ISO 26203-2, ISO 18872
• SAE International J2749
• Puncture impact behaviour: ASTM D3763, ISO 6603-2
• Peel test: ISO 11343
• SEP 1230

High Strain Rate Testing Controller and Software

Instron VHS testing system is supplied with a VHS8800MT controller package with Instron HighRate Software to provide a fully integrated experience and unique profiling capability. The VHS8800MT controller is suitable for a wide range of applications and complex velocity profiles, offering high rate data acquisition, and the software provides statistical analysis and powerful tools for quick post-processing modelling. Optional DIC systems provide an extra layer of data and can be fully integrated with the VHS testing system, offering complete testing capability.