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Analysis Of Cushioned Impact By Wave Propagation Techniques, Lowell P. Martin

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

A typical problem of wave propagation which has received substantial attention concerns the longitudinal vibrations of a long, slender, uniform elastic rod after it has been dropped on one end.

The purpose of this investigation was to extend the problem to include the effect of cushioning material attached to the impacting end of a rod similar to that described above; and to conduct experiments designed to verify the analysis. This study is essentially the first step toward the analysis, by wave propagation methods, of many practical impact problems encountered in military airborne operations, experimental rocket programs, and the packaging industry.