How can Coefficients of Restitution be determined?
Working Model 3D, Working Model 2D, and Interactive Physics use the Coefficient of Restitution to define the elasticity of collisions. A Coefficient of Restitution equal to 0 creates a perfectly plastic collision in which the two objects stick together after the collision, like putty thrown against a brick wall. A Coefficient of Restitution equal to 1 creates a perfectly elastic collision in which the two objects bounce off of each other with no energy loss, like two pool balls. Because a rubber ball will bounce higher when dropped onto steel than it will when dropped onto carpet, the Coefficient of Restitution is not a material property, it is a property of a collision between two materials.
