Reduce Kinetic Energy Losses when Two Objects Collide

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on methods to reduce kinetic energy losses during collisions, specifically examining scenarios involving iron balls and plastic balls colliding with surfaces. Participants explore various approaches to enhance energy transfer and minimize sound energy during impacts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about methods to reduce kinetic energy loss during collisions, expressing interest in maximizing momentum transfer and minimizing sound energy.
  • Another participant suggests varying the composition of the ball, proposing the use of live rubber balls or super-balls as potential solutions.
  • A later reply reiterates the suggestion of super-balls and adds that the structure of the floor, such as using a thick concrete slab instead of wooden floorboards, could improve energy retention during impacts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on potential solutions, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on material properties and the specific conditions of the collisions, which may affect the outcomes of the proposed solutions.

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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