Reduce Kinetic Energy Losses when Two Objects Collide

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on methods to reduce kinetic energy losses during collisions, specifically with iron balls and plastic balls. Participants suggest using materials like live rubber balls or super-balls to enhance energy retention during impacts. Additionally, the discussion highlights the importance of the collision surface, recommending a thick concrete floor over wooden floorboards to improve energy transfer. The goal is to maximize momentum transfer between colliding objects and minimize energy loss, particularly in the form of sound and deformation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy and momentum transfer
  • Familiarity with material properties, specifically elasticity
  • Knowledge of collision dynamics
  • Experience with different types of ball compositions, such as rubber and super-balls
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of live rubber and super-balls for energy retention
  • Explore collision dynamics in physics, focusing on elastic and inelastic collisions
  • Investigate the effects of different surface materials on collision outcomes
  • Study methods to minimize sound energy during impacts
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, materials scientists, engineers, and anyone interested in optimizing collision outcomes and energy transfer in mechanical systems.

Lukeblackhill
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I'd like to know which methods I could use to reduce the loss of kinetic energy when two iron balls collide, or when a plastic ball collides with the floor after a free fall. I have tried to cover the floor with a fabric that would make it more elastic, but it had a small effect (if it hat effect at all). The general case is the loss of a considerable amount of mechanical energy with the "crack" sound between the two surfaces. All the solutions I thought would help reduce the sound energy, but would involve bodies whose internal vibration in the collision (bodies who suffer considerable deformation), and the result is practically the same. My goal is to transfer the maximum of the momentum of m1 to m2, or to make m1, colliding with the floor, to bounce back as high as it can.

Thank you!
 
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Can you vary the composition of the ball? I'm thinking of so -called live rubber balls or super-balls.
 
anorlunda said:
Can you vary the composition of the ball? I'm thinking of so -called live rubber balls or super-balls.
I'll try the super-balls, @anorlunda Thank you!
 
Lukeblackhill said:
I'll try the super-balls, @anorlunda Thank you!
Also, look at the floor structure. A thick (massive) concrete floor or slab can work far better than wooden floorboards.
 

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