An Intuitive Approach to Collision Modeling Using Complementarity
Abstract:
Much attention is paid in elementary physics courses to the modeling of dynamical systems, usually through the study of Newton’s laws of motion. Typical problems one solves in such courses involve determining the path of a particle/projectile under the force of gravity, but few courses pursue this model past the initial point of impact. In this talk, we explore an intuitive approach for modeling systems with impact. We also discuss methods for implementing this model for numerical simulation.
This presentation is aimed at students with a calculus background and an interest in computers, simulations, or Newtonian physics.