Collision of a ball with a beam clamped at each end
Abstract
Abstract A collision of one ball with another is a standard problem in elementary mechanics. A collision of a ball with a bat or a racquet is more complicated but can be modelled as a collision between a ball and a uniform beam. Experimental results are presented for an impact of a baseball with aluminium beams of varying length and thickness, showing that the rebound speed of the ball can be increased or decreased as a result of beam vibrations. An increase in the outgoing ball speed is known as the trampoline effect.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies
Sports Dynamics and Biomechanics
Dynamics and Control of Mechanical Systems
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physics Education
- Volume
- 61
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 025005–025005
- Publication date
- 29 January 2026