Impulsive dynamics of a flexible arm: analytical and numerical solutions

Impulsive motion of a flexible, beam-like arm is investigated in this paper. The arm is attached to an inertial system through a revolute joint. A modelling approach and an analytical solution are outlined for this problem. Comparisons are presented between analytical and numerical solutions. Finite motion due to an impulsive event is also considered by simulations, and the results are compared to experimental data.