Material and Structure Impact

SRI's Poulter Laboratory has investigated a wide range of problems involving impact on materials and structures. Impactors range from 100-lb. models of aircraft impacting reinforced concrete structures to micron-size particles impacting optical components. To perform such experiments, we accelerate fragments and other objects with explosives, as well as design and build special guns to accelerate projectiles and other objects.

1/4 scale concrete penetration test

12-inch Gas Gun/Launcher
can launch 100 lb models at 300 mph