Multiple Impacts of Transversely Struck Aluminum Beams

Transverse impacts of steel spheres on aluminum beams are investigated numerically and experimentally. For the numerical investigation, modally-reduced models are used in combination with local Finite Element contact models. The proposed numerical models are verified by extensive experimental investigations using Laser-Doppler-Vibrometers. The numerical and experimental investigations show that impacts of steel spheres on aluminum beams yield strong structural vibrations causing multiple successive impacts. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)