An existence result for non-smooth vibro-impact problems (Q1775524)

Let us consider a mechanical system described by a second order ODE \(\ddot u=f(t,u,\dot u)\), with \(u\in\mathbb R^d\). If it is imposed that the trajectory must remain in a given closed subset \(K\) of the phase space, it is necessary to assume some kind of impact condition on its boundary. This is a nonsmooth vibro-impact system. The classical billiard systems are the most known examples. Following the formalism essentially developed by Monteiro-Marques and Moreau, the author looks for a vibro-impact problem as a measure differential inclusion (the measure controls the instantaneous change of velocity at the impacts) and proposes a suitable time-discretization, proving the convergence of the approximate solutions to a limit solution which satisfies the constraints. If, moreover, it is assumed the continuity of initial data [a problem studied by the author, Math. Models Methods Appl. Sci. 15, No. 1, 53--93 (2005; Zbl 1079.34006)], then this limit solution satisfies the impact law. This result is interesting from two points of view: it provides a proof for the existence of the Cauchy problem and a numerical method to compute approximate solutions.