A novel oblique impact model for elastic solids

Hertzian contact theory is a key step in modeling low-velocity impact on structures. This study presents an oblique contact model for simulating the oblique impact contact between two elastic solids. The presented model can be used for analyzing contact responses between rigid and non-rigid bodies. The contact force and indentation predicted by the presented model were compared to available oblique impact experimental results in the literature. The results demonstrated high accuracy in predicting the impact response of a plane subjected to an impactor with different obliquely velocities. The numerical results show that with increase in the incident angle, the contact force and local indentation decrease significantly, while the contact time increases. The elastic modulus ratio between the indenter and the plane significantly affects the prediction of the contact force and indentation. Hence, it is essential to choose an impact contact model that will facilitate accurate evaluation of its impact response. The present results represent a useful method to assess the safety of different materials. In addition, the oblique impact model can also provide a theoretical framework for evaluating the obliquely low-velocity impacting the performance of beam, plate, and shell structural elements.