Georgia Institute of Technology Laboratory for Blast, Shock and Impact
Lauren K. Stewart1, Nan Gao1, Genevieve Pezzola1, Marc Sanborn1, Kathryn Sanborn1, Alix Nail1, Giovanni Loreto2
1 Georgia Institute of Technology
790 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30332 USA
lauren.stewart@ce.gatech.edu
nangao@gatech.edu
gpezzola@gatech.edu
marc.sanborn @gatech.edu
kathryn.sanborn @gatech.edu
2 Kennesaw State University
1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, Georgia 30060 USA
gloreto@kennesaw.edu
Abstract. In 2016, Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) unveiled a new experimental laboratory for the characterization of full-scale structural systems and components subjected to high-rate loads, such as those exhibited in blast, shock, and impact events. The Blast, Shock, and Impact Laboratory is situated within the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering’s Structural Engineering and Materials Laboratory (SEML). It utilizes an ultra-high speed hydraulic actuator to induce forces on the test articles for durations on the order of milliseconds. The hydraulic actuator, a version of which was originally implemented outdoors at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), was designed to produce an impulsive blast-like load by impacting a specimen with a mass in a controlled manner. The ultra-fast, computer-controlled hydraulic actuator is combined with a coupled hydraulic/high pressure nitrogen energy source. At Georgia Tech, the actuator is used in conjunction with existing and new infrastructure, high-speed instrumentation, and a robust safety system to conduct experiments in an indoor laboratory.
Since the original series of actuator experiments, which were conducted to achieve simulated blast loading, the Georgia Tech Laboratory has transitioned the technology for experimental characterization of a range of other loading environments. Recently, the team has used the technology to simulate vehicle impacts on highway safety structures (e.g. guardrails) for the Georgia Department of Transportation. Further, the team has employed the system for generation of shock events on munitions structures for the US Air Force Research Laboratory. Additionally, the system is now being used to characterize isolated structural components (e.g. bolted connections, bracing systems, rebar) for impulsive loads.
This paper provides a brief review of publically available information on the actuator technology, a detailed description of the Georgia Tech infrastructure, safety features, and instrumentation setup, and a summary of new applications and techniques for experimental testing utilizing the laboratory.
Keywords: Blast, Shock, Impact, High-rate, Hydraulic Actuator.
