Mathematical modelling and simulation of a tennis racket

Abstract

By constructing a mathematical model, we consider the dynamics of a tennis racket hit by a ball. Using this model, known experimental results can be simulated on the computer, and it becomes possible to make a parametric study of a racket. Such a simulation is essential in the study of two important problems related to tennis: computation of the resulting forces and moments transferred to the hand should assist understanding of the medical problem 'tennis elbow'; secondly, simulation will enable a study to be made of the relationships between the impact time, tension in the strings, forces transmitted to the rim and return velocity of the ball, all of which can lead to the optimal design of rackets.