Modelling of an impact between a tennis ball and racket

In this paper, two different models of an impact between a tennis ball and tennis racket have been developed. In both these models, the ball and stringbed are simulated using a visco-elastic model. In the first model, the frame was modelled as a one-dimensional flexible beam. The solutions of both models were compared with corresponding experimental data. It was shown that the rigid body model was not capable of modelling the deformation of the racket frame after impact. Consequently, this model over-estimated the value of the ball rebound velocity. However, the flexible beam model accurately simulated the vibration of the tennis racket frame, after impact. Also, it was shown that this model accurately predicts the ball rebound velocity, for impacts at all locations along the longitudinal axis of the racket.