What happens when two objects collide?

[zpodnisn]

Hello,

I'm sorry that I can't format the thread as intended and for very likely misuse of terms, but I'm a programmer barely remembering anything form physics (and non-native english speaker to boot), and I have a theoretical problem, not an actual homework. However I believe the problem is quite simple.


The problem itself:

two objects collide, I need to get a "logical result" of the collision - motion, energy absorption / damage.


Assumptions:

objects are solid (composed from one material)
objects have shape of regular pyramidal frustum, collide with tops
motion vectors are directly opposite, centres of mass are residing on a line and stay on the line after collision


Known for objects:

materials
surface of base / top
mass or height
velocity
base friction

everything else can be ignored or have a default value assumed


Examples:

a thrown pebble hits a wooden crate. Results: pebble is bounced back
a thrown axe hits a wooden crate. Results: crate is cut, axe stopped
a fired bullet hits a wooden crate. Results: crate is pierced, bullet continues moving
a stopping car hits a wooden crate. Results: crate is bounced forward and takes impact damage


If you don't have time/will to provide exact algorithms and formulas, I'd appreciate any opinions on the problem solvability and possible algorithms.

 

[Simon Bridge]

The problem is too open.
You've seen the variation - there are whole libraries written just on material properties.
Narrow the problem down: what do you want to know for?

 

[zpodnisn]

The problem may seem too open indeed, but I don't need any precise calculations, but rather just basic predictions. Examples I provided are likely to be solved by any human child or moderately trained neural network - all I need is a simple math base behind it.