In order to elucidate mechanisms of surface damage and to establish methods for evaluating strength degradation in ceramics subjected to dynamic contact with solid particles, silicon carbide sphere impact tests were carried out for silicon carbide specimens. A gas-gun-type apparatus was used for these tests. The residual strengths of the surface damaged specimens were measured by flexural tests. Damage analysis and residual strength evaluation were conducted. For the case of elastic damage (cone crack), the residual strength could be evaluated using indentation analysis, up to low speed range, in which the specimen was not ruptured by impact.