Non-smooth stability analysis of the parametrically excited impact oscillator

The aim of this paper is to give a Lyapunov stability analysis of a parametrically excited impact oscillator, i.e. a vertically driven pendulum which can collide with a support. The impact oscillator with parametric excitation is described by Hill's equation with a unilateral constraint. The unilaterally constrained Hill's equation is an archetype of a parametrically excited non-smooth dynamical system with state jumps. The exact stability criteria of the unilaterally constrained Hill's equation are rigorously derived using Lyapunov techniques and are expressed in the properties of the fundamental solutions of the unconstrained Hill's equation. Furthermore, an asymptotic approximation method for the critical restitution coefficient is presented based on Hill's infinite determinant and this approximation can be made arbitrarily accurate. A comparison of numerical and theoretical results is presented for the unilaterally constrained Mathieu equation.

► The dynamics of a parametrically excited impact oscillator is described by the unilaterally constrained Hill's equation.
► The stability criteria of the unilaterally constrained Hill's equation are derived using Lyapunov techniques.
► An asymptotic approximation method for the critical restitution coefficient is presented.
► Numerical results are given for the unilaterally constrained Mathieu equation.