What causes a shuttlecock to change direction mid-flight?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics behind the flight dynamics of a shuttlecock in badminton. Key factors include the heavier bottom portion of the shuttlecock, which consistently points downward, and the aerodynamic drag acting on the feathery part, causing it to be pushed backward. Participants noted that the shuttlecock undergoes a somersault almost immediately after being hit due to instability from aerodynamic forces, with a second flip occurring after reaching its peak height. This behavior illustrates the application of physics principles in sports.

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  • Understanding of basic physics principles, particularly forces and motion.
  • Familiarity with aerodynamic concepts, including drag and stability.
  • Knowledge of the structure and design of a shuttlecock.
  • Basic grasp of projectile motion and its effects on sports equipment.
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  • Research the principles of aerodynamic drag and its effects on different sports equipment.
  • Explore the physics of projectile motion in sports, focusing on vertical trajectories.
  • Study the design and material properties of shuttlecocks and their impact on flight behavior.
  • Investigate the role of weight distribution in the stability of flying objects.
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Aerodynamics enthusiasts, sports scientists, badminton players, and coaches interested in understanding the physics of shuttlecock flight and its implications for gameplay.

Milind_shyani
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Quite a funny question
Now when we hit a shuttle cock by racket or any other means, the shuttle cock moves in the direction of the force but halfway the position of the shuttlecock changes ie in the beggning the cock faces us and then at halfway the cock starts facing the opposite player.
I hope you understand the question:smile:
 
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What's your question, exactly?
 
I think I understand your question a bit.
The bottom portion of the shuttle cock being heavier than the feathery part has a tendency to point downwards always. Also air drag causes the feathery part to be pushed backwards, away from the opponent as the shuttle moves forward.
I believe this is the reason why they behave the way they should.
I don't think there's anything funny in the question, its a good application of physics to sports :smile:
 
arunbg said:
I think I understand your question a bit.
The bottom portion of the shuttle cock being heavier than the feathery part has a tendency to point downwards always. Also air drag causes the feathery part to be pushed backwards, away from the opponent as the shuttle moves forward.
I believe this is the reason why they behave the way they should.
I don't think there's anything funny in the question, its a good application of physics to sports :smile:

Hi
Thankyou but then suppose that we have a single player and he just starts hitting the shuttle cock vertically in this case the shuttle cock travels vertical distance and then at the highest point it changes it behaves strangely ie in the beginning the cock faces us and and then it does something like a somersault and then at it starts coming downwards with the cock facing us.

Instead of just simply going up and then falling down it does something like a somersault at its peak position
 
It doesn't just do the sumersault at peak position (or halfway through it's trajectory), it does it almost immediately after being hit because flying backwards is very unstable due to aerodynamic drag forces.
 
Yes, I agree with russ. Air drag forces the shuttle cock rounded side to lead in the direction of travel velocity. The turn happens immediately after you hit it and again when the shuttle cock is moving downwards.
In fact, I just checked with a real one outside, to make sure. That's the first time physicsforums made me exercise!:biggrin:
 
Last edited:
Thank you all for the replies:smile:
 
russ_watters said:
It doesn't just do the sumersault at peak position (or halfway through it's trajectory), it does it almost immediately after being hit because flying backwards is very unstable due to aerodynamic drag forces.
The first 1/2 summersault is immediate, but the second one occurs just after the peak.
 
Well, the shuttlecock is really always pointed in the direction of motion, so it only really flips quickly if it is traveling nearly vertically.
 

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