Crash gun device for many dynamic and damage behaviour analysis

This work deals with fust results of crash tests provided by a new compressed air gun device. This installation has been built and instrumented in collaboration between BOMBARDIER Transport and the University of Technology of Compiègne. Complementary rapid data acquisition systems have been optimised to measure impact tests parameters. Thus, dynamic behaviour and damage tolerance of shapes can be investigated by both clamping fixtures for testing structures and specific apparatus for dynamic tensile loading of materials. About present study, crash strength of corrugated composite sandwich panels for railway application is analysed through 15 to 40 m/s impact velocities. Both influence of velocity level and projectile size is emphasised and placed in a context of particular sandwich structure characteristics. Next, damage and mechanical behaviour chronology during the crash event is partially described with interconnected observations coming fiom impact parameters measurements, appropriate strain gauges disposition and ultra speed acquisition camera. Finally, these first crash test results reveal wide perspectives about dynamic and damage investigation of-structures and materials