Simulation of Contact Vibrations and Imacts of Compact Hard Bodies

Models of various vibro-impact systems show complex dynamical behaviour. Usually the simplest models of impact between hard bodies are used, that is, an instantaneous change in the relative velocity characterised by a coefficient of restitution. To gain more insight into the dynamics of some vibro-imact systems the investigation via computer simulation was undertaken. In the range of purely elastic deformations the Hertzian contact model is adopted. To estimate how the so-called contained plastic deformations effects the dynamic behaviour of the vibro-impact system the Johnson's analitycal model was also implemented. The model relates normal load and elasto-plastic deflection during quasi-static loading and unloading for relatively small plastic deformations fully contained by material, which remains elastic. Various physical and computational aspects of modelling, simulation and motion analysis of hard bodies collisions are considered, including modelling of excitation caused by irregularities on surfaces of colliding bodies. Moreover, the influence of dynamics of statically more compliant suspensions and/or fundations of colliding hard bodies is investigated.