A damping term based on material properties for the volume-based contact dynamics model

Abstract The Gonthier et al. volume-based contact dynamics model addressed many different phenomena that influence the force of contact between two objects. This work extends Gonthier et al.'s work by proposing an alternate damping model based on material properties. The normal contact force based on volumetric interference information is derived using principles of mechanics of materials. The volume of interference and its rate of change are shown to be analogues to the material deformation and deformation rate. Simulations of the free direct central impact between two identical spheres are run using the proposed model, the Hunt–Crossley model and the Gonthier et al. model; these are compared to experimental data from the literature. This is followed by a discussion of those models.