Hydromechanics facilities in NM

Geodynamics Research Facility

Kirtland AFB, NM

This GSL facility has evolved over the last three decades to support survivability and protective structures research. Experimental devices include three gas-driven loaders that provide peak-applied forces of 0.45, 2.3, and 8.9 MN in either a quasi-static mode or a dynamic mode with controlled rise times between 3 and 100 msec. Several pressure vessels having peak pressure limits of 7 MPa to1 GPa accommodate cylindrical specimens with diameters ranging from 152 to 51 mm. Quasi-static servo-controlled experiments are performed with the Facility's 600-MPa pressure vessel and 8.9-MN loader. Cubical specimens can be loaded to peak stress levels of 70 MPa under true 3-D stress states. In the new split Hopkinson pressure bar facility, specimens 12.5 or 19 mm in diameter can be dynamically loaded while applying hydrostatic confining stresses between 0 and 200 MPa.