Classification principles of types of mechanical systems with impacts – fundamental assumptions and rules

The way in which subsequent types of mechanical systems with impacts with n degrees of freedom arise and their classification are shown. The presentation of classification principles is a new compilation, according to the knowledge of the authors. The paper answers the question: how many types of systems with impacts exist in general and what these types are, and it leads to numerous conclusions, as well as shows directions of future investigations. Systems with one and two degrees of freedom are considered in detail. The models of systems under consideration are rigid bodies connected by means of, for instance, springs, which can perform a motion along a straight line without a possibility of rotations. For such systems, a complete spring–impact classification has been presented. A simple way of the notation of mechanical systems with impacts, consistent with the principles of the classification developed, has been proposed. The presented classification principles of types of mechanical systems with impacts are of fundamental importance in their designing processes.