This paper reported an experimental technique on the shear strength of adhesively bonded single lap joints subjected to impact loads by means of a split Hopkinson tensile bar. The experiments were conducted at two velocities (V = 20 m/s, 7 m/s) and testing temperatures ranging from -40 degrees C to 80 degrees C. The results indicated that the shear strength of the specimen decreased with the increase of temperature and increased with the increase of velocity. The strength degradation from room temperature to high temperature was more severe than that from low temperature to room temperature. The effects of the pins, thermal stress and peel stress were also examined and found to have limited effects on the determination of the shear strength of the joints. It was concluded that the shear strength of the adhesively bonded single lap joints under impact loads can be determined by this experimental technique. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2010