Hopkinson Bar and Mechanical Test System Upgrades for Naval Postgraduate School Lab

The Naval Postgraduate School Physics Department has an immediate requirement for upgrading and extending the existing government-owned Hopkinson bar and mechanical test system. This system is used to test the mechanical response of materials under extremely fast loading conditions, such as occurs during weapons impact or explosive loading. This system is used extensively in NPS courses (PH4857, “Terminal Ballistics and Shock Physics,†and PC3800, “Survey of the Effects of Weaponsâ€), in student thesis work (approximately 20 theses using this in the last 5 years), and also in reimbursable research conducted by multiple groups in Physics and Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering This upgrade purchases several new items that are required for reimbursable Office of Naval Research programs as well as labs in PH4857.

These include a sample heating stage, bars to perform tension measurements, the ability to monitor more strain gauges, and a specialized lighting platform for high speed videography of the events. These upgrades take full advantage of the existing system, and the government would be saving considerable money by simply adding components rather than purchasing new, standalone equipment. For this reason a sole source from REL Inc., who designed and built the existing Hopkinson bars and related fixtures, is recommended. Since all new equipment must be fully compatible in terms of mechanical fit as well as software interfacing the proposed procurement will be made on a sole source basis to REL Inc.

See attached sole source justification for additional details.