1. Characterization

1.1 Dynamic testing issues

Dynamic behavior tests are most often understood as the extension of quasi-static tests to rapid loading situations. Assumptions of homogeneity of mechanical fields in the test rig and in the specimen are taken for granted, and it is tempting to overlook transient effects due to wave propagation in the specimen. However, this view leads to erroneous results as soon as the characteristic time (the significant duration) of the test is no longer sufficiently long compared with the propagation time of elastic waves in the testing machine.

To illustrate this point, let's consider the idealized, simplified representation of a fairly commonly used test, the "drop-well" test. We're interested in the example of an aluminum honeycomb compression...