X iv : c on d - m at / 9 80 82 58 v 1 2 4 A ug 1 99 8 Coefficient of restitution for elastic disks

We calculate the coefficient of restitution, ǫ, starting from a microscopic model of elastic disks. The theory is shown to agree with the approach of Hertz in the quasistatic limit, but predicts inelastic collisions for finite relative velocities of two approaching disks. The velocity dependence of ǫ is calculated numerically for a wide range of velocities. The coefficient of restitution furthermore depends on the elastic constants of the material via Poisson’s number. The elastic vibrations absorb kinetic energy more effectively for materials with low values of the shear modulus.