On the Testing of the Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Soft Gelatins

This research focuses on the measurement of the static and dynamic mechanical properties of ballistic gelatin. We present a simple, novel experimental setup for measuring the dynamic material properties of ballistic gelatin that includes the classic metallic incident and transmission bars as opposed to the polymeric Kolsky bars used by additional research groups. This method is mathematically validated, while providing sought out for stress-strain curves for three different ballistic gelatin concentrations. The results are then compared to two additional research groups, while being consistent with one and contradictory to the other. Finally, an empirical constitutive law is presented that is consistent with the results obtained through the experimental setup.