How do I apply rolling friction to a ball?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying rolling friction to a ball within a physics engine that lacks built-in support for this feature. The user seeks clarity on how to integrate rolling friction without causing the ball to oscillate indefinitely. The formula for rolling friction is established as F = µmg, where µ represents the coefficient of rolling friction and mg is the weight of the ball. The user highlights the importance of considering the velocity of the ball in relation to the applied frictional force to ensure proper stopping behavior.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rolling friction and its calculation using F = µmg
  • Familiarity with physics engines and their functionalities
  • Basic knowledge of velocity and its impact on motion
  • Concept of force dynamics in a flat plane
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to implement custom forces in physics engines
  • Explore the relationship between velocity and frictional forces in motion
  • Learn about the effects of different coefficients of rolling friction on ball behavior
  • Investigate existing physics engines that support rolling friction natively
USEFUL FOR

Game developers, physics simulation engineers, and anyone interested in enhancing the realism of motion in simulations by applying rolling friction accurately.

hyacint
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Hello,

I need to apply rolling friction to a ball, but I don't understand where to plug it in.

I know the rolling friction that I want to put in, but I can't just subtract the force of rolling friction on velocity, because the ball would never come to a stop, it would turn back again (and make the ball going back and forward when velocity is smaller than that force).

F = µmg right? (on a flat plane at least)

But isn't this force depending on the velocity of the ball too? Because this force can't be more than the velocity of the ball, if so the ball could never stop. I don't get it.

I'm using a physics engine that handles everything else, but I need to plug in this rolling friction because the engine doesn't have it built in.
 
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