In the present study, dynamic compression tests have been performed on polycarbonate (PC) specimen for strain rates in the range of 500 to 2000s -1 and on aluminum for a strain rate around 1300s -1 using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB). Temperature measurement has been carried out using a fast response infrared optical pyrometer which is able to measure the surface temperature rise of a specimen during the tests. The temperature data shows that the mechanical work is not completely converted into heat. It implies the existence of a stored energy within the material and possibly a subsequent delay for the conversion of mechanical work into heat.