BALLISTIC GELATINE BEHAVIOUR UNDER QUASI-STATIC AND DYNAMIC LOADINGS

Mechanical characterisation experiments have been performed with 20% ballistic gelatine, made according to NATO specifications. Quasi-static experiments at strain rates from 0.00059/s to 0.059/s have been done using a Zwick/Roell Z250 electromechanical testing machine. The Young's modulus E (at zero strain) is 88, 98, and 141 kPa for strain rates of 0.00059, 0.0059, and 0.059/s respectively. Dynamic experiments have been performed using a flywheel apparatus (118/s) and a polymeric split Hopkinson pressure bar (925 to 1350/s). It is shown that ballistic gelatine is both a viscoelastic and non-linear material. Experimental results seem essentially consistent with earlier published results.