PHYSICS BEHIND A SHUTTLECOCK

Written by Jaclyn Chua, Iman Aisyah 

• The shuttlecock is shaped like a cone, with a rounded, slightly convex base and a tapered top. This asymmetric shape causes the shuttlecock to spin and rotate as it travels through the air.

• When struck, the shuttlecock begins to spin around its central axis. The rotation is induced by the uneven air pressure on the shuttlecock's surfaces as it moves through the air.

  

  
  

• The spinning motion creates a phenomenon known as the Magnus effect. This effect causes the shuttlecock to curve or "drift" from a straight trajectory as it flies. The direction and degree of the curve depends on the direction and speed of the spin imparted by the shot.

• For example, if the shuttlecock is hit with a strong upward motion, it will spin rapidly clockwise (from the hitter's perspective). This spin will cause the shuttlecock to curve downwards as it travels, exhibiting a characteristic dipping or dropping flight path.

• Conversely, a sharply hit downward shot will spin the shuttlecock counterclockwise, making it rise and curve upwards in its trajectory.

So in summary, the unique asymmetric shape of the shuttlecock, combined with the spinning motion induced by the stroke, results in a curved, arcing flight path that presents interesting challenges for badminton players.

References

1. https://www.behind.hndrd.co/blog/shuttlecock-aerodynamics-and-how-it-affects-shots

2. https://www.sportsengineering.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2nd_Pedro2020.pdf