Saturday Physics for Everyone
For those that missed it, you can watch the recorded talk here: https://youtu.be/s_vws3mMeFE
After reading Bob Adair's classic book The Physics of Baseball over 20 years ago, I thought I knew everything there was to know about the subject. I have since learned much more than I ever thought possible, due in large part to the development of advanced scientific tools which allow for detailed scientific studies about baseball. Advances arose in two broad areas: The aerodynamics of a baseball in flight and the physics of the ball-bat collision. Not only have these advances furthered our understanding of baseball physics, but they have also had a practical application to the game itself. I will provide many examples, including a selection of the following:
- The role of the batter's grip during the ball-bat collision.
- How atmospheric conditions affect the flight of the baseball.
- Knuckleballs, gyroballs, and all that.
- What's the deal with the humidor?
- Drilling down on the home run surge.
I will sprinkle the talk with amusing high-speed videos and anecdotes about our national pastime. So, the talk should have something for everybody, whether your interest is primarily physics, baseball, or the intersection between them.
\n\nSPEAKER: Prof. Alan Nathan 141 Loomis Laboratory falseTitle | Touching All The Bases: A Peek Inside the World of a Baseball Physicist |
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Speaker | Prof. Alan Nathan |
Date: | 9/28/2019 |
Time: | 10:15 a.m. |
Location: | 141 Loomis Laboratory |
Sponsor: | Physics Department |
Contact: | Patrick J Snyder psnyder@illinois.edu |
Originating Calendar: | Physics - Saturday Physics for Everyone |
Abstract: | For those that missed it, you can watch the recorded talk here: https://youtu.be/s_vws3mMeFE After reading Bob Adair's classic book The Physics of Baseball over 20 years ago, I thought I knew everything there was to know about the subject. I have since learned much more than I ever thought possible, due in large part to the development of advanced scientific tools which allow for detailed scientific studies about baseball. Advances arose in two broad areas: The aerodynamics of a baseball in flight and the physics of the ball-bat collision. Not only have these advances furthered our understanding of baseball physics, but they have also had a practical application to the game itself. I will provide many examples, including a selection of the following: - The role of the batter's grip during the ball-bat collision. - How atmospheric conditions affect the flight of the baseball. - Knuckleballs, gyroballs, and all that. - What's the deal with the humidor? - Drilling down on the home run surge. I will sprinkle the talk with amusing high-speed videos and anecdotes about our national pastime. So, the talk should have something for everybody, whether your interest is primarily physics, baseball, or the intersection between them. |
To request disability-related accommodations for this event, please contact the person listed above, or the unit hosting the event.