The Science of Golf Ball Collisions: Exploring Elastic and Plastic Deformation

💥Golf ball collisions involve elastic and plastic deformation, where the ball stores and releases energy.

🔬Modern golf balls are designed to absorb and efficiently rebound energy, maximizing distance.

🚀Using specialized equipment, we test the limits of golf ball performance, even experimenting with rocket-powered clubs.

🍉We demonstrate the power of a golf ball in action by shooting it through a watermelon and other materials.

🔍Through slow-motion footage and analysis, we delve into the materials and physics behind golf ball collisions.

What is the difference between elastic and plastic deformation?

—Elastic deformation describes the temporary distortion of a material that returns to its original shape, while plastic deformation refers to permanent deformation that occurs when a material cannot fully recover its original shape.

How do golf balls maximize distance?

—Modern golf balls are designed to deform and compress upon impact, storing energy and releasing it efficiently during the rebound, resulting in greater distance.

What experiments did you conduct to test the limits of golf ball performance?

—We used high-speed cameras and specialized equipment, including a vacuum cannon and rocket-powered clubs, to investigate the impact force and deformation of golf balls.

What were the outcomes of shooting a golf ball through different materials?

—By shooting a golf ball through materials like watermelon and a tarp, we observed the ball's ability to penetrate and transfer its energy through various substances.

What insights did you gain about golf ball collisions?

—Through our experiments, we gained a better understanding of the mechanics of golf ball collisions, including the importance of material properties, energy transfer, and the design of golf balls for optimal performance.

00:00Introduction and excitement about the question: How hard can you hit a golf ball?

01:00Explanation of the concept of elastic deformation and the question of when a golf ball no longer returns to its original shape.

04:00Using high-speed cameras and specialized equipment to investigate the limits of golf ball performance.

09:00Exploration of different materials and their interaction with golf ball impacts, such as watermelon and tarp.

12:00Collaboration with engineer Mark Rober and the construction of unique devices for testing golf ball impact force.