Impact of a linearly elastic rod on a thin linearly viscoelastic target

The impact of a linearly elastic rod on a thin linearly viscoelastic target which rests on a rigid foundation is considered. The behaviour of the target is quasi-static. The special case of a cylindrical linearly elastic rod impacting on a thin Kelvin target is studied in detail and the maximum impact force, the coefficient of restitution, and the energy absorption of the target are determined. The type of results obtained is useful, e.g., in the design of impact protection devices.