Abstract
In this research, numerical results are presented on nonlinear transient responses of beams and arches with a spring-mass system. The governing equation of the arch with the spring-mass system is transformed to a set of ordinary differential equations by the Galerkin method. Nonlinear transient responses of the arches and mass are calculated with numerical integration, applying initial velocity on the mass of the spring-mass system. Based on the numerical results of transient responses, effects of characteristics of nonlinear restoring force of arches on impact force of an object, which collides with arches, are investigated. As the curvature of the arch is increased, impact force is decreased comparing with the result when an object collides with a rigid wall. When the initial velocity of the mass is relatively small, where the deflection of the arch is included in the region of a softening spring, the impact force is efficiently decreased.
