High Strain Rate Response of Sandstones with Different Porosity under Dynamic Loading Using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB)

This article presents the results of dynamic tests of sandstone samples differing in strength parameters and porosity, which were carried out with the use of the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). For this study, three types of sandstones were considered: two from the region of India (Kandla Grey and Apricot Pink) and one from Central Europe (Barwald). The strength parameters of the samples were identified in static tests (UCS, BTS tests), whereas the porosity was measured using computed tomography. The performed scanning allowed the volume of the pores and their distribution in the samples to be identified. Dynamic tests involved loading the cylindrical samples with a diameter of 23 m in the range of high strain rates, i.e., ε˙ = 102 ÷ 103/s, using the SHPB (split Hopkinson pressure bar) method. Samples with three different values of slenderness were used for testing (L/D = 1, 0.75 and 0.5). Based on the dynamic characteristics of the samples, the maximum dynamic stresses, Dynamic Increase Factor (DIF) and the amount of energy absorbed by the samples were determined. The conducted research indicates a significant impact of material porosity on the amount of dissipated energy under conditions of high strain rates. The research indicates that the values of this parameter for Apricot Pink and Kandla Grey sandstones (slenderness L/D = ¾ and L/D = ½) are similar, although the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of Kandla Grey sandstone is approximately 60% higher than that of Apricot Pink sandstone. As a result of the sample destruction process, various forms of sample destruction were obtained. The performed grain analysis indicates a significant increase in the smallest fraction (<0.5 mm) in the case of the sandstone with the highest porosity (Apricot Pink—55% of mass outcome) in comparison to the sandstone with the lowest porosity (Kandla Grey—12% of mass outcome).