Sports engineering: technology, economics and tradition

Sports engineering is a vibrant new combination of science, engineering and technology. It requires a combination of sound engineering skills, some business sense and an appreciation of the governing rules of sport and the tradition that surrounds them. This paper aims to give readers a feel for sports engineering by describing the historical development of sports equipment in terms of design and performance, and relating this to the market in which it is sold. Two sets of equations are given that could be used to help sports equipment designers; the first for rackets, clubs and bats, and second for aerodynamic performance of balls. Finally, the balance between sports technology and sporting tradition as defined by the rules of sport is discussed.