The Role of Beam Flexibility and Ground Contact Model in the Clattering of Deformable Beams

Abstract

It has been shown in previous research that, relative to (the usually considered case of) a single impact, multiple impacts (clattering) of rigid casings can greatly enhance the probability of failure of fragile components mounted on or inside them. This paper addresses the important issues of the roles of casing flexibility and contact model in the above situation. A finite element analysis of clattering of a Timoshenko beam is carried out here. Dependence of the maximum change in average velocity due to impact, on the beam stiffness and coefficient of restitution, are studied here.