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Oblique impact of a buckling table-tennis ball on a rigid surface

Théophile Rémond, Vincent Dolique, Renaud G. Rinaldi, and Jean-Christophe Géminard
Phys. Rev. E 107, 055007 – Published 26 May 2023
Physics logo See synopsis: Angle and Friction Matter for Table Tennis Spin

Abstract

We report on the rebound of a table-tennis ball impinging without any initial spin in oblique incidence on a rigid surface. We show that, below a critical incidence angle, the ball rolls without sliding when bouncing back from the surface. In that case, the reflected angular velocity acquired by the ball can be predicted without any knowledge of the properties of the contact between the ball and the solid surface. Beyond the critical incidence angle, the condition of rolling without sliding is not reached within the time of contact with the surface. In this second case, one can predict the reflected angular and linear velocities, as well as the rebound angle, provided the supplementary knowledge of the friction coefficient associated with the ball-substrate contact.

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  • Received 19 December 2022
  • Accepted 17 April 2023

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.107.055007

©2023 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Physics Education ResearchInterdisciplinary PhysicsCondensed Matter, Materials & Applied Physics

synopsis

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Angle and Friction Matter for Table Tennis Spin

Published 26 May 2023

The angle of incidence and the friction of the surface are the only factors that impact the spin of a table tennis ball after it collides with a rigid surface.

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Authors & Affiliations

Théophile Rémond1, Vincent Dolique1, Renaud G. Rinaldi2, and Jean-Christophe Géminard1

  • 1LPENSL, CNRS UMR5672, ENS de Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69342 Lyon, France
  • 2MATEIS, CNRS UMR 5521, INSA-Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69621 Villeurbanne, France

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Issue

Vol. 107, Iss. 5 — May 2023

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