Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

A Coupled Experiment-finite Element Modeling Methodology for Assessing High Strain Rate Mechanical Response of Soft Biomaterials
Published on: May 18, 2015
Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar Testing of Water with Partial Lateral Confinement
K S O Li1, A Van Lerberghe1, A D Barr1
1Department of Civil & Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD UK.
This study experimentally investigated water's high-strain-rate behavior using a modified split-Hopkinson pressure bar. Results showed no particle cohesion, revealing limitations in current numerical simulations for fluid dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Fluid Dynamics
- Materials Science
- Experimental Physics
Background:
- Investigating the high-strain-rate behavior of water is crucial for understanding fluid dynamics under extreme conditions.
- Previous research has lacked experimental validation for water's behavior at high strain rates.
- This study pioneers experimental investigation and numerical validation of water's high-strain-rate properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally determine the triaxial behavior of water under high-strain rates.
- To validate experimental findings with numerical simulations, specifically Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH).
- To assess the efficacy of a modified split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus for fluid characterization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a modified split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) with a partial lateral confinement apparatus.
- Employed a surrounding water reservoir for lateral confinement and a pressure transducer for stress measurement.
- Applied a dispersion correction algorithm (SHPB_Processing.py) for accurate stress and strain calculations.
Main Results:
- The modified apparatus successfully assessed the triaxial behavior of water at high strain rates.
- Experimental results indicated a lack of cohesion between water particles.
- Numerical modeling (LS-DYNA with SPH) showed limitations in capturing this behavior, highlighting a need for model refinement.
Conclusions:
- The modified apparatus is capable of characterizing fluid behavior under high-strain rates.
- The absence of cohesion in water is a key finding impacting fluid modeling.
- Future research can combine experimental testing and refined numerical modeling for advanced fluid characterization.
Related Concept Videos
Pressure of Fluids
Fluid Pressure
According to Pascal's law, a fluid at rest will generate equal pressure in all directions. This pressure is measured as a force per unit area, and its magnitude depends on the fluid's specific weight or...
Flow Table Test
Concrete is placed within a truncated cone mold that is 8 inches high with an 8-inch base diameter and a 5-inch top diameter. The...
Non-destructive Tests for Concrete Strength
Pressure Variation in a Fluid at Rest
When measuring pressure at two different levels within the fluid, the difference in pressure...
Measurement of Fluid Pressure
A basic form of manometer is the piezometer, a vertical tube open at the top and filled with the same...

