A nonlinear visco-elastoplastic impact model and the coefficient of restitution

A visco-elastoplastic model for the impact between a compact body and a composite target is presented. The model is a combination of a nonlinear contact law that includes energy loss due to plastic deformation and a viscous element that accounts for energy losses due to wave propagation and/or damping. The governing nonlinear equations are solved numerically to obtain the response. A piecewise linear version of the model is also presented, which facilitates analytical solution. The model predictions are compared to those of the well-known and commonly used Hunt-Crossley model. The effects of the various impact parameters, such as impactor mass, velocity, plasticity, and damping, on the impact response and coefficient of restitution are investigated. The model appears to be suitable for a wide range of impact situations, with parameters that are well defined and easily calculated or measured. Furthermore, the resulting coefficient of restitution is shown to be a function of impact velocity and damping, as confirmed by published experimental data.