Rigid Body Bouncing: How Smooth Surfaces Deform

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In summary, when rigid objects with smooth surfaces collide, they do not truly bounce as they are not completely rigid. The atoms and molecules absorb the energy and react, causing deformation and resulting in the bouncing effect that we observe. It is not possible to observe the deformation of a rigid object during a collision, but the sound produced is an artifact of the deformation. In the case of two classically rigid surfaces colliding, there are issues with the change in momentum and force experienced by each object.
  • #1
magmash
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Hi guys

enlighten me, How can Rigid bodies with smooth surfaces bounce in a collision

An example is, drooping a metal sphere on a metal surfaceis there any deformation happening here as in the situation of a basketball ?
 
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  • #2
Deformation - yep.
There is no such thing as the classically rigid body - everything deforms.
 
  • #3
magmash said:
is there any deformation happening here as in the situation of a basketball ?

One artifact of deformation would be the sound waves you hear when the ball meets the floor. As Simon said, there's no such thing as an absolutely rigid object. The atoms and molecules will 'absorb' the energy, and react according to their composite structure.
 
  • #4
Metal balls are not rigid (and nothing truly is completely rigid). They are very elastic.
 
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  • #5
so speaking in simple terms, there is nothing purely rigid in this world every thing deforms during a collision, and that is what is responsible for the bouncing effect that we can observe, am i right ?

P.S

Is it possible to observe the deformation of an very rigid/solid object during a collision ?
 
  • #6
magmash said:
so speaking in simple terms, there is nothing purely rigid in this world every thing deforms during a collision, and that is what is responsible for the bouncing effect that we can observe, am i right ?
That is correct.
Is it so hard to believe that the real world is messier than our idealized models?

Is it possible to observe the deformation of an very rigid/solid object during a collision ?
Define "very solid" and "object" - but, in principle, yes.
For macroscopic objects you need to use interference techniques - but, as TumblingDice said, the sound of the objects striking is a result of the deformation.

If the objects did not deform, then the collision would take place in zero time ... giving "end of the Universe" type issues.
 
  • #7
Simon Bridge said:
but, as TumblingDice said, the sound of the objects striking is a result of the deformation..

Lets assume that we have a stone and a surface that don't deform, would dropping the stone down on the surface not result in any sound ?



I appreciate your kind responds : )
 
  • #8
magmash said:
Lets assume that we have a stone and a surface that don't deform, would dropping the stone down on the surface not result in any sound ?
How does sound happen?

However, for a collision of two classically rigid surfaces there are other issues like the zero time change in momentum.
If two rigid balls bounce off each other... What happened in terms of the force each experienced?
 

1. What is a rigid body?

A rigid body is an object that maintains its shape and size even when subjected to external forces. This means that the distance between any two points on the object remains constant, and the object does not deform or bend.

2. What is bouncing?

Bouncing is the motion of an object when it collides with a surface and then recoils in the opposite direction. This is caused by the transfer of energy from the object to the surface and back.

3. How do smooth surfaces deform?

Smooth surfaces deform when an external force is applied to them. This can happen due to the elasticity of the material or the shape of the surface. In the case of rigid body bouncing, the smooth surface deforms to absorb the impact of the object and then returns to its original shape.

4. What factors affect the smoothness of a surface when it comes to rigid body bouncing?

The smoothness of a surface can be affected by various factors, such as the material it is made of, its elasticity, and the angle at which the object hits the surface. The smoother the surface, the less energy will be lost during the bouncing motion.

5. Why is understanding rigid body bouncing important?

Understanding rigid body bouncing is important for various reasons. It can help in the design and engineering of objects, as well as in predicting the behavior of objects during collisions. It also has practical applications in industries such as sports, where the bouncing of a ball is a crucial element of the game.

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