Bowling

Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson The Physics of Bowling:
Introduction How good bowlers stay off the straight and narrow.
Bowling
Strikes
Underlying
Physics
Brody Dylan Johnson
Mathematical
Model Saint Louis University
Human
Experiment
Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Outline
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
1 Introduction
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes
2 Bowling Strikes
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
3 Underlying Physics
Model
Human
Experiment 4 Mathematical Model
5 Human Experiment

Brief History of Bowling1
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson Forms of bowling can be traced back to Egypt around
3200 B.C., although the first “standardized rules” were
Introduction
Bowling
established in New York in 1895.
Strikes
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment
1
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowling
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes
The origin of ten pin bowling is attributed to an 1841 law
Underlying
Physics in Connecticut banning ninepin bowling, which was the
Mathematical form of bowling brought to America from Europe. (The
Model
extra pin prevented violation of the law.)
Human
Experiment
1
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes
Underlying
Model
Human
Experiment
Lane dimensions: Length: 60 feet, Width: 41.5 inches.
1
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes
Underlying
Model
Human
Experiment
Lane dimensions: Length: 60 feet, Width: 41.5 inches.
Ball specifications: Circumference: 2.25 feet, Weight: up
to 16 pounds.
1
Scoring
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
There are ten frames in which up to two balls may be
Johnson
rolled toward the pins;
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Scoring
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
Introduction The base score for a frame is the total pinfall (number of
Bowling
Strikes
pins knocked down);
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Scoring
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
Bowling
Strikes
pins knocked down);
Underlying In the case of a strike (all 10 pins knocked down on first
Physics
ball) the pinfalls of the next two balls are added to the
Mathematical
Model score for the frame;
Human
Experiment

Scoring
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
Bowling
Strikes
pins knocked down);
Physics
Mathematical
Human
Experiment In the case of a spare (all remaining pins knocked down
on second ball) the pinfall of the next ball is added to the
score for the frame;

Scoring
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
Bowling
Strikes
pins knocked down);
Physics
Mathematical
Human
Experiment In the case of a spare (all remaining pins knocked down
on second ball) the pinfall of the next ball is added to the
score for the frame;
These bonus pinfalls can lead to up to two additional
frames when a spare or strike occurs in the tenth frame.

Strategy
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson A perfect game consists of twelve consecutive strikes. The
Introduction
pinfall is 30 for each frame for a total score of 300.
Bowling
Strikes
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Strategy
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Introduction
Bowling The highest possible score without any strikes results from
Strikes
ten frames of 9-1 spares followed by an additional 9 in the
Underlying
Physics eleventh frame, correponding to a pinfall of 19 each frame
Mathematical and a total score of 190.
Model
Human
Experiment

Strategy
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Introduction
Strikes
Underlying
Model
Human Consecutive strikes are essential to high scores.

Experiment

Strategy
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Introduction
Strikes
Underlying
Model
Human Consecutive strikes are essential to high scores.

Experiment 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Score
9/1 10/- 10/- 10/- 10/- 9/1 9/1 9/1 9/1 9/1/9 224
9/1 10/- 9/1 10/- 9/1 10/- 9/1 10/- 9/1 9/1/9 198
These two games have identical frames with different
orderings. There are four strikes in each game.

Angle of Attack
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
7 8 9 10
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes
4 5 6
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
2 3
Model
Human
Experiment
1
θ
2
Reference: http://www.jimloy.com/bowling/6degrees.htm
Angle of Attack
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
7 8 9 10 The shot should make
Introduction contact with the pocket,
Bowling
6 which is the space
Strikes
4 5
Underlying between Pin 1 and Pin 3.
Physics
Mathematical
2 3
Model
Human
Experiment
1
θ
2
Angle of Attack
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
7 8 9 10 The shot should make
Introduction contact with the pocket,
Bowling
6 which is the space
Strikes
4 5
Underlying between Pin 1 and Pin 3.
Physics
Mathematical
2 3 An angle of six degrees
Model
with respect to the lane
Human
Experiment
1 boards is considered
θ
optimal for the
generation of strikes2 .
2
Reality Check
Physics of
Bowling
Assuming that the pocket is in the middle of the lane, the
Brody Dylan
Johnson largest angle possible with a straight ball is

−1 1.75
Introduction
Bowling tan ≈ 1.67 degrees.

Strikes 60
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Reality Check
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan

−1 1.75
Introduction

Strikes 60
Underlying
Physics A six degree angle with a straight shot would require the
Mathematical
Model
bowler to stand about 6.3 feet to the side of the pocket,
Human
which is more than halfway across the adjacent lane.
Experiment

Reality Check
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan

−1 1.75
Introduction

Strikes 60
Underlying
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment
In order to achieve the desired six degree angle, the ball
must be curved.

Reality Check
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan

−1 1.75
Introduction

Strikes 60
Underlying
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment
In order to achieve the desired six degree angle, the ball
must be curved.
A curved path requires the ball to experience
acceleration. What forces can produce such an
acceleration?

A Rolling/Sliding Ball
Physics of
Bowling Suppose a ball (radius R) is rolling and sliding with
Brody Dylan
Johnson
velocity vC and angular rotation speed ωC .
ωC
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes C vC
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical B
Model
Human
Experiment

Physics of
Brody Dylan
Johnson
ωC
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes C vC
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical B
Model
Human The velocity of the contact point B is given by:

Experiment
vB = vC − ωC R

Physics of
Brody Dylan
Johnson
ωC
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes C vC
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical B
Model
Human The velocity of the contact point B is given by:

Experiment
vB = vC − ωC R
If vB = 0 then the ball is undergoing pure rolling.

Otherwise the ball is sliding and frictional forces will act
on the ball.
The Effect of Friction
Physics of
Bowling A frictional force FB will act on the ball opposite to the
Brody Dylan direction of vB .
Johnson
Introduction
Bowling
C
Strikes
Underlying FB vB
Physics B
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Physics of
Johnson
Introduction
Bowling
C
Strikes
Underlying FB vB
Physics B
Mathematical
Model
If vB > 0 then ωC is too small for pure rolling and the
Human friction force takes translational energy and converts it
Experiment
into rotational energy, increasing ωC and decreasing vC
until vB = 0.

Physics of
Johnson
Introduction
Bowling
C
Strikes
Underlying FB vB
Physics B
Mathematical
Model
If vB > 0 then ωC is too small for pure rolling and the
Human friction force takes translational energy and converts it
Experiment
into rotational energy, increasing ωC and decreasing vC
until vB = 0.
If vB < 0 then ωC is too large for pure rolling and the
friction force takes rotational energy and converts it into
translational energy, increasing vC and decreasing ωC until
vB = 0.
Energy Considerations
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
Introduction
Energy is conserved when vC and ωC have the same sign.
Bowling
Strikes
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
Introduction
Bowling Energy is destroyed when vC and ωC have opposite signs.
Strikes
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
Introduction
Strikes
Underlying
Excess rotational energy can be thought of as a power
Physics source for the translational motion. The ball can
Mathematical
Model
accelerate as long as there is excess spin.
Human
Experiment

Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
Introduction
Strikes
Underlying
Excess rotational energy can be thought of as a power
Physics source for the translational motion. The ball can
Mathematical
Model
accelerate as long as there is excess spin.
Human Conversely, insufficient rotational energy will result in a
Experiment
power drain on the translational motion and the ball will
decelerate until a balance is reached.

Practical Observations
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson There are many bowlers that release the ball with a small
amount of backspin. Generally the ball can be seen to
Introduction
reverse its direction of spin as the ball heads down the
Bowling
Strikes lane.
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes lane.
Underlying
Physics Theoretically, if enough backspin were generated, the ball
Mathematical could actually reverse its direction of motion and come
Model
back towards the bowler.
Human
Experiment

Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes lane.
Underlying
Physics Theoretically, if enough backspin were generated, the ball
Mathematical could actually reverse its direction of motion and come
Model
back towards the bowler.
Human
Experiment For the typical bowler, the ball is released with a good
balance of rotational and translational energy and the ball
will generally achieve a pure rolling state before reaching
the pins.

Mathematical Model, Part I
Physics of
Bowling
Physical parameters:
Brody Dylan
Johnson Mass = m
Introduction
Ball Radius = r
Bowling
Rotational Inertia = I = 25 mr 2
Strikes Coefficient of Friction = µ
Underlying
Physics
Gravitational Constant = g
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson Mass = m
Introduction
Ball Radius = r
Bowling
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical Oil conditions: Although oil patterns vary from one place
Model
to the next, typically a bowling lane is oiled from the foul
Human
Experiment line to a point about fifteen feet in front of the pins.

Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson Mass = m
Introduction
Ball Radius = r
Bowling
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical Oil conditions: Although oil patterns vary from one place
Model
to the next, typically a bowling lane is oiled from the foul
Human
Experiment line to a point about fifteen feet in front of the pins.
This last section has a much higher coefficient of friction
due to the lack of oil and often contributes a noticeable
redirection of the ball trajectory. (the “extra” spin must
last long enough for this to work)

Mathematical Model, Part II
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan Variables: We will use a vector

Johnson
x = x1 x2 x3 x4 x5 x6
Introduction
x1 = position in lane (from left)
Bowling
Strikes x2 = position along lane (from foul line)
Underlying x3 = velocity in lane (left to right)
Physics
x4 = velocity along lane (towards pins)
Mathematical
Model x5 = rotation about x1 axis (backspin +)
Human x6 = rotation about x2 axis (rightspin +)
Experiment

Mathematical Model, Part II
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan Variables: We will use a vector

Johnson
x = x1 x2 x3 x4 x5 x6
Introduction
x1 = position in lane (from left)
Bowling
Strikes x2 = position along lane (from foul line)
Underlying x3 = velocity in lane (left to right)
Physics
x4 = velocity along lane (towards pins)
Mathematical
Model x5 = rotation about x1 axis (backspin +)
Human x6 = rotation about x2 axis (rightspin +)
Experiment
System of differential equations: One obtains a linear
system of first order differential equations by applying
Newton’s 2nd law to the bowling ball. (Both translational
and rotational forms.)

Mathematical Model, Part III
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
(viewed from foul line) (viewed from the right)
Johnson
x6 x5
Introduction
Bowling C x3 C x4
Strikes
Underlying Fx 1 v x1 Fx 2 v x2
Physics B B
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
x6 x5
Introduction
Bowling C x3 C x4
Strikes
Physics B B
Mathematical
Model
Human
Friction Forces:
Experiment
Fx1 = −µ m g sgn(vx1 ) Fx2 = −µ m g sgn(vx2 )

Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
x6 x5
Introduction
Bowling C x3 C x4
Strikes
Physics B B
Mathematical
Model
Human
Friction Forces:
Experiment
Fx1 = −µ m g sgn(vx1 ) Fx2 = −µ m g sgn(vx2 )
Newton’s second law:
m dx3 /dt = Fx1 m dx4 /dt = Fx2

Mathematical Model, Part IV
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan Rotational form of Newton’s second law:

Johnson
Introduction I dx6 /dt = Fx1 r

Bowling
Strikes
I dx5 /dt = −Fx2 r
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Physics of
Bowling

Johnson

Bowling
Strikes
Underlying
Physics The complete system of differential equations:
Mathematical dx1 dx2
Model
dt = x3 dt = x4
Human dx3 F dx4 F
Experiment
dt = mx1 dt = mx2
dx5 F r dx6 F r
dt = xI2 dt = − xI1 .

Physics of
Bowling

Johnson

Bowling
Strikes
Underlying
Physics The complete system of differential equations:
Mathematical dx1 dx2
Model
dt = x3 dt = x4
Human dx3 F dx4 F
Experiment
dt = mx1 dt = mx2
dx5 F r dx6 F r
dt = xI2 dt = − xI1 .
Notice that the components of acceleration for the ball are
piecewise constant.

Implications of the Model
Physics of
Bowling The ball does not curve faster with more spin, it just
Brody Dylan curves longer. (takes longer to reach pure rolling)
Johnson
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Physics of
Johnson
The ball experiences constant acceleration when it is
Introduction sliding, which makes it possible for the ball to follow a
Bowling parabolic path.
Strikes
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Physics of
Johnson
Strikes
Underlying
The ball experiences no acceleration when it is in a pure
Physics rolling state and, thus, follows a linear path once it stops
Mathematical
Model
sliding.
Human
Experiment

Physics of
Johnson
Strikes
Underlying
Mathematical
Model
sliding.
Human
It is possible to achieve the six degree angle with a pure
Experiment
parabola: (f (x) = ax 2 + bx + c, a = tan (π/30)/60,
b = − tan (π/30), & c = 1.75; x in feet)

Physics of
Johnson
Strikes
Underlying
Mathematical
Model
sliding.
Human
It is possible to achieve the six degree angle with a pure
Experiment
parabola: (f (x) = ax 2 + bx + c, a = tan (π/30)/60,
b = − tan (π/30), & c = 1.75; x in feet)
3
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Cheating the Geometry
Physics of
Bowling The model allows us to compare trajectories obtained for
Brody Dylan various spins, speeds, and release angles.
Johnson
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Physics of
Johnson
18
Introduction
16
Bowling
Strikes
14
Underlying
Physics 12
Mathematical 10
Model
8
Human
Experiment
6
0
0 0.5 1
1.60 degrees
Physics of
Johnson
18 18
Introduction
16 16
Bowling
Strikes
14 14
Underlying
Physics 12 12
Mathematical 10 10
Model
8 8
Human
Experiment
6 6
4 4
2 2
0 0
0 0.5 1 0 0.5 1
1.60 degrees 5.38 degrees

Physics of
Johnson
18 18 18
Introduction
16 16 16
Bowling
Strikes
14 14 14
Underlying
Physics 12 12 12
Mathematical 10 10 10
Model
8 8 8
Human
Experiment
6 6 6
4 4 4
2 2 2
0 0 0
0 0.5 1 0 0.5 1 0 0.5 1
1.60 degrees 5.38 degrees 3.75 degrees

The Three Stages
Physics of
Bowling
The three trajectories on the previous slide illustrate three
Brody Dylan
Johnson stages of my bowling game:
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

The Three Stages
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Introduction
Straight balls: Throwing
Bowling
Strikes straight with a house
Underlying ball.
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

The Three Stages
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Introduction
Bowling
Underlying ball.
Physics
No-thumb spin: Creating
Mathematical
Model
spin by leaving the
Human
thumb out and torquing
Experiment a house ball.

The Three Stages
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Introduction
Bowling
Underlying ball.
Physics
No-thumb spin: Creating
Mathematical
Model
spin by leaving the
Human
Fingertip Grip: Creating
spin with a personalized,
fingertip grip ball.

The Three Stages
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Introduction
Straight balls: Throwing Method Averge Strike %
Bowling
Strikes straight with a house Straight 120 17%
Underlying ball. No-thumb 130 22%
Physics
No-thumb spin: Creating Fingertip 160 27%
Mathematical
Model
spin by leaving the
Human

The Three Stages
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Introduction
Straight balls: Throwing Method Averge Strike %
Bowling
Strikes straight with a house Straight 120 17%
Underlying ball. No-thumb 130 22%
Physics
No-thumb spin: Creating Fingertip 160 27%
Mathematical
Model
spin by leaving the
Human
Good bowlers seem to get on the order of 50% strikes.

The Three Stages
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Straight Bowling
Physics of
Bowling Average First-Ball
40 games:
Brody Dylan
120 7.1
Johnson
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

No-Thumb Spin Bowling
Physics of
100 games:
Brody Dylan
130 7.6
Johnson
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Fingertip Grip
Physics of
60 games:
Brody Dylan
160 8.4
Johnson
Introduction
Bowling
Strikes
Underlying
Physics
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Conclusion
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
Bowling, like many sports, is enjoyable for players of all
Introduction
skill levels because it is easy to get started and see real
Bowling
Strikes results (like bowling a strike), yet most people can play for
Underlying years without ever coming close to the elusive perfect
Physics
game.
Mathematical
Model
Human
Experiment

Conclusion
Physics of
Bowling
Brody Dylan
Johnson
Bowling, like many sports, is enjoyable for players of all
Introduction
skill levels because it is easy to get started and see real
Bowling
Strikes results (like bowling a strike), yet most people can play for
Underlying years without ever coming close to the elusive perfect
Physics
game.
Mathematical
Model
The dynamics of the bowling ball, the oil, the gutters, etc.
Human
Experiment exhibit interesting concepts from math and physics that
are accessible to anyone with a background in differential
equations.

Bowling

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Physics of

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Human Consecutive strikes are essential to high scores.

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Human Consecutive strikes are essential to high scores.

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Bowling tan ≈ 1.67 degrees.

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Bowling tan ≈ 1.67 degrees.

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Bowling tan ≈ 1.67 degrees.

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Bowling tan ≈ 1.67 degrees.

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Human The velocity of the contact point B is given by:

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Human The velocity of the contact point B is given by:

If vB = 0 then the ball is undergoing pure rolling.

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Variables: We will use a vector

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Variables: We will use a vector

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Rotational form of Newton’s second law:

Introduction I dx6 /dt = Fx1 r

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Rotational form of Newton’s second law:

Introduction I dx6 /dt = Fx1 r

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Rotational form of Newton’s second law:

Introduction I dx6 /dt = Fx1 r

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

Brody Dylan Johnson Physics of Bowling

1.60 degrees 5.38 degrees

1.60 degrees 5.38 degrees 3.75 degrees