Dynamics of a periodically excited vibro-impact system with soft impacts is investigated. Essential features of period-one multi-impact motion group and correlated transition characteristics in low-frequency range are discussed in detail by the way of two-parameter bifurcation space providing qualitative domains for different periodic motions. The main focus is given to the effect of sensitive parameters including constraint stiffness k
0, clearance threshold b, and damping parameter ζ on the system response. The low-frequency characteristics in the finite-dimensional parameter space are particularly explored. It is found that the increase of k
0 induces multi-type bifurcation of period-one double-impact symmetrical motion, which induces a rich variety of periodic motions, and period-one multi-impact motion group orbit primarily exist in the small-clearance b and low-frequency ω zone. Based on the evolution irreversibility of adjacent period-one multi-impact orbit, the mechanism of singularies appearing in pairs and two different transition zones (hysteresis and liguliform zones) is studied, the result of which provides a theoretical reference value for the common low-frequency vibration instability phenomenon in the field of mechanical engineering. For small-damping coefficient ζ, period-one multi-impact motion has a large quantity, and the main bridge for the transition of adjacent period-one multi-impact motion is liguliform zone, which embraces period-one multi-impact asymmetrical motion and period-n multi-impact subharmonic motion and a certain chaotic zone. For large-damping coefficient ζ, the amount of period-one multi-impact motion group is reduced, and the main bridge for the transition of adjacent period-one multi-impact motion is hysteresis zone, where adjacent period-one multi-impact orbits can coexist according to initial conditions. As designing and renovating impact mechanical equipment, the reasonable matching law of dynamic parameters can be determined through two-parameter bifurcation space, which is conducive to making the system work in stable periodic motion and obtaining larger instantaneous impact velocity.
