Does Rolling a Basketball on Roadbase Compare to a Golf Ball on AstroTurf?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of a basketball rolling on compacted roadbase and a golf ball rolling on synthetic grass (astro turf) down a 4% slope for a distance of 20 meters. Participants explore the validity of using the basketball's behavior as an indicator for the golf ball's performance on the synthetic surface, particularly in the context of designing a golf course green.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a direct comparison between the basketball and golf ball is necessary to determine their rolling behaviors under the specified conditions.
  • Others argue that a mathematical analysis involving factors such as inertia, weight, rolling friction, impact force, slope, and coefficients of friction is essential for a thorough comparison.
  • One participant notes the importance of measuring the rolling friction and coefficients of friction for each surface to develop an accurate model.
  • Concerns are raised about external factors, such as wind, potentially affecting the results of the rolling tests.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the basketball can serve as a valid comparison for the golf ball. While some advocate for direct testing, others emphasize the need for mathematical modeling and empirical measurements. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for specific measurements and conditions (e.g., zero wind speed) that could influence the outcomes of the rolling tests. There is also a mention of the potential isolation of the technique being discussed, questioning its presence in broader literature.

weekendwarrior
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Greetings,

My first post here so be gentle.:smile:

I want to analyse the relationship between a basketball and then a golf ball rolling down a 4% slope for a distance of 20metres.

There is an added complication that the basketball will roll on compacted roadbase and the golf ball will roll on synthetic grass (astro turf,tennis court type surface)

The distance of 20 metres and 4% slope is constant for both tests and also the impact force is to be a moderate force of say that which is applied to a golf ball with a putter.

I am wanting to either prove or disprove the theory that a basketball rolling on roadbase is a true indication of a golf ball rolling on the final applied synthetic, using this to test slopes and putting grades.

Kind regards,
John
 
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Hey, welcome to physics forums.

This wouldn't happen to be classwork, would it.
 
I am designing a golf course green that is in the process of being built and I am not convinced that a basketball roll is a true comparison test of a golfball rolling on the proposed synthetic surface (synthetic due to australian drought conditions, not enough water anymore to apply to grass putting greens)

Nothing to do with school work!
 
Interesting question. Can you post a pointer to info about "the theory that a basketball rolling on roadbase is a true indication of a golf ball rolling on the final applied synthetic"? That would be interesting background reading for anybody trying to answer your question here. Welcome to the PF, Aussie!
 
Hi,

Thanks, not quite sure what you mean by "pointer to info"?

Regards,
John
 
I mean a web pointer to information about the concept. Is this technique mentioned anywhere on the web where we can read about it, or is it more of a trick only used in a very isolated specialty and probably not talked about on the web?
 
From what you describe, I would think that the only good way to find out for sure is to compare them directly.
 
Hi,

I do not think so. Surely there must be a mathematical procedure to analyse the comparison i.e. Inertia, weight (mass) of each ball, rolling friction, impact force, slope, coefficient friction of each surface etc etc.

Regards,
John
 
weekendwarrior said:
Hi,

I do not think so. Surely there must be a mathematical procedure to analyse the comparison i.e. Inertia, weight (mass) of each ball, rolling friction, impact force, slope, coefficient friction of each surface etc etc.

The only way to find the rolling friction and coefficients of friction of each surface is to measure them. Even if you were going to produce a mathematical model of the behaviour of astroturf you would probably start by measuring the the properties of the "blades" of "grass", etc.

Hopefully you are doing this roll test in zero wind speed. If not, the basketball will obviously be blown about rather more than the golf ball.
 

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