A Matlab/Simulink-based method for modelling and simulation of split Hopkinson bar test

The split Hopkinson bar (SHB) technique is widely used to determine dynamic properties of materials at high strain rates. There are several basic assumptions, especially the assumption of uniform stress distributed in specimen, in the foundation of SHB. Thus, test design, analysis and data validation are significantly important to get enough accurate results. One-dimensional (1-D) simulation is such a basic approach for those purposes. But generally, the simulation needs complicated processes of deriving and programming by the theory of 1-D stress wave. This paper develops a brief method for 1-D simulation of SHB test using the software package Matlab/Simulink. The examples show its validity and the features of visualization, modularization, high concision and high efficiency. This study successfully employs Matlab/Simulink into the field of modelling and simulation of 1-D stress wave propagation for the first time. It would have a theoretical contribution for further studies.