  A structural classification method of vibro-impact systems with an arbitrary
finite number of degrees of freedom based on the principles given by
Blazejczyk-Okolewska et al. [Blazejczyk- Okolewska B., Czolczynski K.,
Kapitaniak T., Classification principles of types of mechanical systems with
impacts - fundamental assumptions and rules, European Journal of Mechanics
A/Solids, 2004, 23, pp. 517-537] has been proposed. We provide a
characterization of equivalent mechanical systems with impacts expressed in
terms of a new matrix representation, introduced to formulate the notation of
the relations occurring in the system. The developed identification and
elimination procedures of equivalent systems and an identification procedure of
connected systems enable determination of a set of all structural patterns of
vibro-impact systems with an arbitrary finite number of degrees of freedom.
