Purpose: The article presents an analysis of impact energy dissipation process with selected non-classical dynamic models. Design/methodology/approach: Identification of impact energy dissipation phenomena in mechanical systems with a layered structure (eg, composite ballistic shields) is quite a challenge, because on the one hand it is sought to the model, whose parameters are as much as possible responsible for the energy dissipation, on the other hand, the number of parameters should be optimized. Searched model should be reduced to a simple description of the whole phenomenon and completely imitate entire mechanical system. Description of the impact energy dissipation was modeled with selected degenerated systems in this case. Models were subjected to hammer extortion the specified impulse of force. The mathematical description of pulsed extortion was carried out by using the energy and balance equation of power. Verification of mathematical identification equations for selected model parameters was performed by computer simulation technique. Findings: This is original analytical method, which uses the degenerated systems in various configurations. It involves the use of specially derived identification equations, which are described by the decrease of potential energy of the system during the vibrations induced by a single impulse load. Research limitations/implications: Method of identification requires the use of appropriate input function. Input function could be a periodic type or a type of step function. Practical implications: Estimation of the energy consumption objects in terms of method of identifying the parameters of the model. Originality/value: Presented work includes the identification of piercing the ballistic shield, and it is a part of work on the implementation of the degenerated models to describe these phenomena