Dynamic Stability of a Vibrating Hammer

Abstract

This paper deals with the stability of motion of an elastically suspended vibrating hammer that impacts upon an energy absorbing surface. The energy absorber could represent, for example, a rock drill bit or drill steel, or a spike being driven by the hammer. The problem is intrinsically nonlinear because the instant of impact depends upon the motion of the hammer. “Simple steady-state solutions” are derived, and their asymptotic stability is examined. Regions in which the analytically constructed simple solutions are asymptotically stable are determined in parameter space. Results have been checked by a digital computer simulation.