In order to determine the rate effects on the performance of adhesive systems, MERL has developed a drop weight impact facility, shown right. This can be used in conjunction with dynamic analysis, using ABAQUS® (see below), to help predict structure behaviour. The configuration below shows a bonded lap shear specimen attached to the falling sled, with instrumentation either side of the bonded joint. The sled is arrested on floor stops and the mass attached to the lower metal substrate causes impact loading, and possible failure, of the joint.