Rod Cross' collisions, sports balls, and silly putty

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on Rod Cross' extensive notes regarding the physics of small-ball sports, particularly focusing on collision physics. Key findings include comparative data on ball bounce and detailed F-t graphs illustrating various impact scenarios. The discussion highlights experiments involving ball-bearings and force transducer plates, as well as a unique section on the effects of dropping heavy objects onto Silly Putty. This resource is particularly valuable for educators and students exploring the principles of physics in sports.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly collision physics.
  • Familiarity with force-time (F-t) graphs and their applications.
  • Knowledge of experimental design in physics, specifically involving impact studies.
  • Experience with small-ball sports and their dynamics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of collision physics in sports using Rod Cross' notes.
  • Explore the use of force transducer plates in measuring impact forces.
  • Investigate the effects of material properties on ball bounce and energy absorption.
  • Examine experimental setups for studying the physics of Silly Putty and similar materials.
USEFUL FOR

Physics educators, sports scientists, students studying mechanics, and anyone interested in the practical applications of collision physics in sports and materials science.

Simon Bridge
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A surprising find looking for something else:
http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~cross/

Somewhat extensive notes on various small-ball sports physics - including material on collision physics and a neat vid of a falling slinky.

I've mined:
Ball bounce for comparative data for experiments involving a ball-bearing hitting a force transducer plate.
The paper has F-t graphs for several different situations appropriate to a class and useful for answering those questions about the "force of an impact".

Including a whole section on what happens when you drop heavy objects onto Silly Putty :D
 
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