Criterion of multiple collisions in a simple mechanical system with viscous damping and dry friction (Q796315)

Central collisions between two rigid bodies are considered where one body is connected by a spring to a support. Both bodies move on a horizontal surface. Single and multiple collisions are studied, and a criterion is given for the occurrence of each. This simple mechanical system can be either conservative or non-conservative. An analytic discussion has been confined to investigations of the possibility of appearance of four successive collisions between the bodies with damping neglected, and two collisions when viscous damping and Coulomb dry friction are considered.