Determination of a range formula for a spherical ball under environmental conditions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine a range formula for spherical balls. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to develop a range formula to best fit the empirical data for selected spheres, develop a computer program to predict range, determine the optimum angle for obtaining greatest distance, determine the nature of the trajectory for each sphere, and determine the differences between initial velocity and angle of release. Two varsity baseball players at Texas A&M University volunteered to participate in the study. Seven balls of various sizes and weights were thrown by the subjects. Each ball was thrown three times by each subject. The initial throw was at an angle (optimum) which would achieve maximum distance. The second and third throws with each ball by each subject were at angles slightly below and slightly above the optimum angle. An anemometer was used to measure the wind velocity. The maximum allowable wind velocity was set at five miles per hour. The distance for each thrown ball was rounded off to the nearest foot. Three cameras were used to film the thrown balls. A Locam high speed camera was positioned to film the initial angle and initial velocity. A Bolex H-16 movie camera and a Kodak Cine Special movie camera were positioned to film the trajectory. The Locam and Bolex cameras remained stationary throughout the filming while the Kodak Cine Special movie camera was positioned at various locations according to the distance the sphere traveled. A Vanguard Motion Analyzer was used to analyze the film. ...