Saturday Physics for Everyone
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.
Prof. Alan Nathan
141 Loomis Laboratory
false| Title | Touching All The Bases: A Peek Inside the World of a Baseball Physicist |
|---|---|
| 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: | 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.
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