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The Split-Hopkinson bars we manufacture are the best test equipment for characterizing the dynamic behaviour of materials subjected to high strain rates at a given temperature (-150°C to +800°C), by means of either compression or tensile testing. At THIOT INGENIERIE, we design compression bars that are unequalled on the market, as well as direct tensile-test bars with a revolutionary operating principle.

Our Hopkinson bars are intended for use by research centres, universities and manufacturers from a wide variety of sectors (aeronautics, defence, automotive industry etc.). These testing systems allow tests to be performed on all types of material samples, e.g. aluminium, composites, titanium, ceramic, foam, 3D-printing materials, plastics and polymers. Our aim: provide you with the most accurate data possible.

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Compression bars

Direct tensile-test bars

Strain rates of

500 to 10000 s-1

Strain rates of up to

3000 s-1

Less than

25 μs

rise time

MOMENTUM TRAP: FOR COMPRESSION AND DIRECT TENSILE-TEST BARS

Your needs

You are an engine manufacturer in the aeronautics or automotive industry or you develop new products for defence applications. You need to understand how your materials behave when subjected to high temperatures and a compression or tensile impact.

Our solution

Our Hopkinson bars allow you to study the dynamic behaviour of your materials, which are put to the test by both the strain rate and temperature conditions. We have designed user-friendly test equipment, equipped with sophisticated measurement systems for the highest-quality signal acquisition possible, both in compression and tensile testing.

THE BEST SIGNAL QUALITY ON THE MARKET, THE MOST USER-FRIENDLY MACHINES

EASE OF USE

Automated sample heating, automatic gauge calibration, unique signal conditioner, ultra-rapid bar-change system and adjustable bearings. Make life easier!

SIGNAL-MONITORING SOFTWARE

Our practical and intuitive signal-monitoring software automatically analyses and filters your signals to generate the stress, speed and strain-rate curves you need.

REDUCED COSTS

Our Hopkinson bars require only minimal consumables and maintenance, and our tensile-testing system is 100% hydraulic. This saves you time and money so that you can focus on what is most important: the results.

SUPPORT

Wherever you are in the world, we will carry out the necessary maintenance work on your Hopkinson bars and will be happy to advise you if you have any questions.

FULL TRAINING

We provide you with both theoretical and practical training on the use of your test equipment, so that you can get the very most out of it.

ZERO RISK

Compression: shots triggered by a fast-acting valve, guaranteeing a high level of operational safety. Tensile testing: hydraulic triggering for optimal safety. Ideal for the university environment.

Split-hopkinson bars for direct tensile testing (SHTB)

An innovation by Thiot Ingenierie

Our technology is revolutionary. Unlike the indirect tensile-testing systems available on the market, our SHTBs offer direct access to the sample—which may therefore be observed (high-speed cameras, DIC, etc.)—and the possibility of heating the sample, using an efficient and user-friendly furnace. Our system offers unrivalled performance, with a rise time of less than 25 µs and a strain rate of up to 3,000 s-1.

During testing, the specimen is not subjected to any form of compression—only tensile strain—allowing unmatched signal quality.

Since they are entirely hydraulic, our Hopkinson bars for direct tensile testing have an economic advantage in that they require no electrical power supply, except when using the heating device.

Split-hopkinson pressure bars (SHPB)

A cut above the rest

Our fully-automated compression bars are controlled via a control panel, which will allow you to adjust all of your test settings in just a few minutes: pressurisation of the gas gun, heating of the sample and trigger synchronisation. The strain rate can be set from 500 to 10 000 s-1 , according to your needs.

The gas gun is installed on a separate frame from the bar test bench to prevent the transmission of vibrations. The equipment is designed to accommodate all types of instruments and accessories (e.g. pulse shaper, double pulse generator and inserts for testing the most resistant materials).

Why Thiot Ingenierie?

OUR EXPERIENCE

Our company has now been designing test equipment for our clients in the military, aeronautics, aerospace and research sectors for nearly 30 years. We are currently world leader in the field of impact testing, ballistic testing and fast dynamics.

WE PUT OURSELVES IN YOUR SHOES

As well as designing launchers, we also have our own test laboratory and so have on-hands experience of the situations that you experience. We are always on the lookout for development opportunities and constantly innovate to provide you with the best-performing test equipment on the market.

OUR TEAMS

Our company employs 30 of France's leading experts (designers, technicians, engineers and scientists). Our excellent knowledge of our clients' spheres of activity allows us to respond to each of their requests with an effective and tailor-made solution.

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