Collision problem for rigid bodies (Q2773574)

Several collision problems are discussed for rigid bodies. It is shown that direct application of the classical impact theory to the cases when colliding bodies are bound to other bodies can produce paradoxical results. The author shows that, in order to obtain a realistic solution, account should be taken of contact deformations of the bodies.NEWLINENEWLINEThe article is based on a lecture given by the author for secondary school teachers in the framework of the ``International Soros Science Educational Program'' and is aimed at presenting contemporary developments in mathematics on an elementary level understandable for secondary school teachers and pupils.