An elementary theory of the oblique impact of rods (Q2569608)

Summary: The longitudinal impact of an elastic rod against a rigid wall has been described by \textit{F. Neumann} [Vorlesungen über die Theorie der Elasticität der festen Körper und des Lichtäthers. Leipzig: Teubner (1885; JFM 17.0948.01)] in terms of a system of second order partial differential equations, which, for the axial displacement, reduce to a single d'Alembert equation. This equation, however, is not easily solved, especially when, as frequently occurs, the cross-section of the rod is variable or the stress exceeds the elastic limit of the rod. Consequently, many contributors, including Tredgold, Cox, Saint-Venant and Flamant, have sought approximate methods of solution. In reviewing these various approaches, Pöschl has remarked that the rod is usually regarded as a system possessing one degree of freedom and the aim is to seek the configuration of maximum compression when the rod first achieves instantaneous equilibrium. Here an extension is proposed of the classical approximate method for estimating the stress state in an elastic rod obliquely colliding against a rigid wall.