A good introduction to conventional notation of rhythm from Toby W. Rush. And here you can find a guide to conventional notation for the drumkit. Here is what American composer Henry Cowell had to say about rhythm
"Rhythm is a conception, not a physical reality. It is true that to be realized in music, rhythm must be marked by some sort of sound, but this sound is not the rhythm itself. Rhythmical considerations are the duration of sounds, the amount of stress applied to sounds, the rate of speed as indicated by the movement of sounds, periodicity of sound patterns, and so on"
(from the joys of noise)
Some examples that relate to your task from various angels.
focused on the use of percussion instruments.
Broader range relating to rhythm
Pulse - Meter - Tempo:
Listen to the following examples:
Hillborg Celestial Mechanics
Andriessen De Materie