Miniature Dynamic Compaction Tool

Created by adapting an existing design, originally created to simulate rockfalls (Chikatamarla, 2006), this miniature tool allows simulation of low-energy dynamic compaction in the geotechnical centrifuge (Pooley 2013). The compaction hammer is a cylinder of 0.339 kg mass and 55 mm diameter, composed of a hollow tube with end plates. The cylinder is allowed to free fall inside a guide tube, and is subsequently collected with an electromagnet attached to the actuator arm. The tool can be used for testing at up 20g centrifugal acceleration.