Abstract: In this study, the relationship between the maximum impact force and velocity of partjcle has been derived on the basis of elastic theory and energy principle. Critical impact force and critical speed which cause initial damage is anaIVsed and its analytical expression is presented. The impact force for six dlfferent materials was measu red at the same condition to investigate the v8riation of impact pararneter with material properties. The authors provide a simple test method and experimental de vice to imitate the impact of moving particle, A series of experiments on ceramics and gIass were car ried out to study the dependence of residual strength on the impulse.