Finite element simulations of high strain rate tensile experiments oil sheet materials using different specimen geometries are presented. The simulations component ail experimental study, using a split Hopkinson tensile bar set-up, Coupled with a. full-field deformation measurement, device. The simulations give detailed information on the stress state. Due to the small size of the specimens and the way they are connected to the test device, non-axial stresses develop during loading. These stress components, are commonly neglected, but, as will be shown, have a distinct influence on the specimen behaviour and the stress-strain curve extracted from the experiment. The validity; of the basic assumptions of Hopkinson experiments is investigated: the uniaxiality of the stress state, the homogencity of the strain and the negligibleness of the deformation of the transition zones. The influence, of deviations from these assumptions on the material behaviour from a Hopkinson experiment is discussed
