Abstract: This article reviews the engineering significance of rock dynamics, test principles and methods of the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) device and its research results of SHPB in the dynamic test of rock samples. It is concluded: ①SHPB is an effective design in the testing of mechanical properties of rock samples under medium to high strain rates due to its simplicity and accuracy; ②The specimen sizes and incident waveform have great influence on the accuracy of SHPB test results; ③ There is a strong positive correlation between the dynamic strength of rock sample and strain rate; ④ The free water in rock has a great influence on the dynamic strength of rock samples; ⑤The dynamic mechanical properties of rock samples change significantly within the conditions between extreme high temperature and extreme low temperatures; ⑥ The dynamic properties of rock samples under the coupled static and dynamic loading are different from those under the  uniaxial impact loading and SHPB cyclic impact tests can simulate the engineering properties of many deeply embedded rock mass. Finally, the recommendations and suggestions that could potentially improve the SHPB tests are also proposed by the authors.

Key words: Rock Dynamics, SHPB Device, Coupled Static and Dynamic Loading Conditions, Cyclic Impact, Coupling Effects of Temperature and Pressure