Two Dimensional Rigid Body Collisions with Friction

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of a two-dimensional rigid-body collision with dry friction. We use Routh’s graphical method to describe an impact process and to determine the frictional impulse. We classify the possible modes of impact, and derive analytical expressions for impulse, using both Poisson’s and Newton’s models of restitution. We also address a new class of impacts, tangential impact, with zero initial approach velocity. Some methods for rigid-body impact violate energy conservation principles, yielding solutions that increase system energy during an impact. To avoid such anomalies, we show that Poisson’s hypothesis should be used, rather than Newton’s law of restitution. In addition, correct identification of the contact mode of impact is essential.