Impact of an elastic rod on a deformable barrier: analytical and numerical investigations on models of a valve and a rod-shaped stamping tool

The longitudinal motion of an elastic rod is studied for the case that the rod is suddenly elastically fixed at one end and is hit by a mass at its other end. This configuration represents real settings e.g. as a valve impacts an elastic valve-seat or as a stamping device used in forging is hit by a large mass. The solution of the problem is formulated in the Laplace transformation space. The inverse transformation into the time domain is performed by engaging the so-called Laguerre polynomial technique. This method allows to calculate exact solutions for finite times from a finite number of series elements. Rigorous mathematical proofs not established up to now are given with respect to the convergence of the series encountered and the validity of exchanging the order of inversion of the Laplace transformation and summation of the established series. For comparison also a numerical solution of the problem is presented. An analysis of the energy transfer between rod, impacting mass and elastic barrier elucidates the marked influence of the deformability of the elastic barrier on the stress state in the rod.