Rigid block dynamics confined between side-walls
A rigid block lies on a horizontal surface between two symmetrically placed- walls. Under sinusoidal horizontal excitation, the block can impact both the floor and both side-walls. Periodic orbits are obtained analytically by linking piecewise linear solutions which have as an unknown the time impact difference between the floor and the wall. One nonlinear equation is then obtained in this unknown and solved numerically. The stability of these solutions is also examined. Symmetry-breaking and period-doubling bifurcations are observed. These latter responses can occur with larger than expected impact velocities. This problem has application in the nuclear industry where fuel rods can impact the sides of their containers. The design implication of these results is considered.