Calculating a Collision of Two Rotating Objects

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Calculating the collision of two rotating objects requires understanding several factors, including velocity vectors, angular velocities, masses, and elasticities. The discussion highlights the importance of the Conservation of Momentum and Conservation of Angular Momentum principles in determining post-collision velocities. Friction is noted as a critical element that can affect the interaction, particularly in how it influences the transfer of angular momentum and the motion after impact. Although one participant found a solution online, they expressed concerns that it did not adequately address friction's role. The conversation emphasizes that while friction may not affect the collision itself, it significantly impacts the objects' behavior before and after the collision.
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I am trying to find a way to calculate a collision of two objects with rotation. I only managed to find two explanations on the internet, and even they didn't consider friction.

I do know these things that may be helpful:

velocity vectors of the objects
velocity vectors of the colliding point on the objects
surface normal and tangent
angular velocities of the objects
masses of the objects
elasticities of the objects
frictions of the objects

Is there a formula that can tell me the post-collision linear and angular velocities of the objects from this information?
 
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Search for "Conservation of Momentum" and "Conservation of Angular Momentum" - you should be able to find some explanations and examples.

-Kerry
 
I figured it out by this website (Link)

The only problem is that it does not account for friction.
 
What do you mean, it doesn't account for friction? Where is it that you are expecting friction to come into play? Can you give an example?

Typically, this type of problem involves considering the system just before and just after impact, so if there is friction between the two bodies and the surface they are sliding on, for example, that has no influence on the collision. It may influence the speeds at which they come into contact and the distances that they travel after the impact, however.

-Kerry
 
KLoux said:
What do you mean, it doesn't account for friction? Where is it that you are expecting friction to come into play? Can you give an example?
Without friction between the balls, no angular momentum (spin) will be transfered.
 

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