Experimental study of an impact oscillator with viscoelastic and Hertzian contact

Modeling an impact event is often related to the desired outcome of an impact oscillator study. If the only intent is to study the dynamic behavior of the system, numerous researchers have shown that simpler impact models will often suffice. However, when the geometric contours and material properties of the two colliding surfaces are known, it is often of interest to model the contact event at a greater level of complexity. This paper investigates the application of a finite time impact model to the study of a parametrically excited planar pendulum subjected to a motion-dependent discontinuity. Experimental and numerical studies demonstrate the presence of multiple periodic attractors, subharmonics, quasi-periodic motions, and chaotic oscillations.