Recent developments and improvements in testing equipment, sensors, and knowledge have led to a significant increase in high speed and high rate material testing efforts.
Cars have become such an integral part of our lives. A car has long passed the point of being a necessary means of transportation, now becoming a symbol of independence and free-mobility, and sometimes even an expression of our personality. While met with an ever-growing appetite for style and comfort, automobile manufacturers and their suppliers at the same time are dedicating significant development efforts to the various materials used for the body of a car, despite the fact that these are more often than not hidden behind the shiny layer of paint. The majority of consumers never see, feel, or even consider this aspect when choosing a car.
In almost every component, automotive materials must be subjected to an extensive range of mechanical tests to ensure that design targets are met, before they are approved for the application. The vast majority of material tests are performed at slow (or quasi-static) speeds or rates, which are suitable for lab equipment conditions, and provide engineers with a good understanding of material behavior. Nevertheless, automotive manufacturers and material suppliers realize there is a disconnect between these ideal lab conditions and real-life conditions.