Kicking machine

Component and structural testing

The pendulum accelerator is a device for impact testing of components and structures.

Testing process

Basically, the test rig accelerates a trolley on rails towards a test specimen fixed to a reaction wall. The accelerating system consists of an arm that rotates around a set of bearings. The arm itself is connected to a hydraulic/pneumatic actuator system which provides the moving force and accelerates the trolley up to the desired velocity. The connection of the actuator piston rod to the arm introduces a 1.5 lever action, i.e. the force acting on the trolley is 1/5 of the piston force, but the velocity is 5 times greater.

Energy delivery and absorption

Based on the maximum working pressure in the hydraulic piston, the maximum energy delivered to the trolley is approximately 500 kJ. At present the mass of the trolley is in the range between 400 and 1500 kg, giving a maximum velocity between 50m/s and 26m/s which is measured with a photocell system. In case the specimen does not have sufficient energy absorption capability to stop the trolley, a secondary energy absorbing system is installed.

Additional equipment

During testing the trolley and the reaction wall can be equipped with a load cells where for each the axial force as well as two orthogonal bending moments can be recorded. The deformations of the specimen during testing can be recorded with two simultaneously working high-speed cameras.