Innovative impact testing machine for enhancing impact related research in Australia

This paper summarises the development of a state-of-art impact testing machine for simulating impacts such as vehicular crashes or debris onto structures. The has 200 kg pneumatically powered projectile which can travel horizontally within barrel with maximum velocity 50 m/s to target structure. kinetic energy that be generated by is 125 kJ using different combinations mass and velocity. diameter 214 mm, its impacting face changed shapes, flat circle, square an elliptical nose suit scenarios. An innovative braking mechanism incorporating crush tube attached ensure safety when fails restrained impact. absorb imparted moving projectile. advanced data acquisition system installed collect quantitative qualitative test during period ms 1 s. Two high-speed digital image correlation (DIC) cameras are synchronised operation record images at rate 50,000 frames per second. Outputs in terms strains, deformations, accelerations structure damage history analysed this 3D DIC technique. also briefly presents first application masonry wall