The drag coefficient of tennis balls

CHADWICK, S. G. and HAAKE, S. J. (2000). The drag coefficient of tennis balls. In: SUBIC, A. and HAAKE, S., (eds.) Engineering of sport - research development and innovation. Blackwell, 169-176.

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Abstract

The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of the motion of a tennis ball during flight. A wind tunnel was used to measure the aerodynamic forces on a tennis ball, and hence calculate their drag coefficients at wind speeds up to 136mph. The drag coefficient was relatively constant with increasing velocity for each brand of ball tested, and a larger ball had a similar drag coefficient to a standard sized ball. It was found that raising or lowering the nap increased or decreased the drag coefficient by almost 6%. In conclusion, a larger drag force on a tennis ball can be achieved through an increase in diameter or raising the nap of the ball.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	Proceedings of the 3rd international conference on the engineering of sport
Research Institute, Centre or Group:	Centre for Sports Engineering Research
Related URLs:	Organisation
Depositing User:	Carole Harris
Date Deposited:	02 Aug 2010 16:04
Last Modified:	02 Aug 2010 16:04
URI:	http://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/2219

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