In rock dynamics

one of typical types of loading is impact loading

which can induce the strain rate up to 1×10-1-1×104 s-1. Impact loading can be generated by a dynamic machine

Hopkinson bar testing equipment and blasting

and is used to investigate the dynamic behavior of rock. When rock is subjected to dynamical loading

inertial effect will become significant. Hence the objective of rock dynamics is to investigate the propagation and dissipation of stress waves in rock

the interaction between the stress waves and the joints of rocks

the reflection

diffraction and injection of the stress waves in layered materials. Initial study of rock dynamics in China could be traced back to the early sixties of last century

when the dynamic effect of blasting on the slope stability of Daye Iron Mine was investigated. Comprehensive research for such a subject started in 1965

when State Commission of Science & Technology and National Defense Commission of Science & Technology approved to establish the defense engineering research group

and launched “construction and research for protective engineering” as a key national research program. Through such events

China built up the foundation for its rock dynamics study. In 1987

the Commission of Rock Dynamics

a sub-committee of Chinese Society of Rock Mechanics and Engineering was founded; and this event became the milestone of the further development of rock dynamics. Members of the commission came from universities and research institutions of water conservancy

hydropower

energy

mining

coal

petroleum

railway transportation etc. Organized by the commission

the “National Conference for Rock Dynamics” has been held every two years

making a great contribution to the advancement of rock dynamics research. This paper will introduce the development and new achievements of rock dynamics in China recent 10 years; and it can be divided into two parts

i.e. the past achievements and the future development trends.