..., characterized by a smaller number of degrees of freedom. A technique was then implemented for calculating Lyapunov’s exponents also during the time intervals of the impacts. The introduction and evaluation of these exponents can also permit us to perform the stability analysis with respect to overturning...

... techniques proposed and implemented, it has been possible to classify and analyze more deeply such quasi-periodic or chaotic responses and at the same time to clarify the role played by the initial conditions. s: Nonlinear dynamics, friction, impact, Lyapunov's exponents. UCTION ynamics of a rigid block...

... configuration. Therefore some special tools, specific for non-smooth functions, must be introduced to perform the stability analysis. In the present study, the theory due to Mu¨ller [19] is used to handle the evaluation of Lyapunov’s exponents upon discontinuities, by introducing the treatment, both analytical...