Development of a Curling Rock Launcher to Improve Curling Research and Performance
Date
2024-09-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
0009-0000-3575-8151
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
During this thesis work a device was designed, manufactured, validated and used for
experimentation. This device is capable of launching curling stones at preset linear and rotational
velocities, and preset angles from the centerline. This device aims to assist sports scientists,
physicists, and engineers in investigating the behavior of curling stones, potentially resolving
ongoing debates about the mechanics of curling stone behavior. Additionally, the device may be
used as a tool for ice technicians in calibrating ice surfaces and matching stones, as well as for
curlers practicing various brushing techniques. Following initial research and design, a prototype
was fabricated and subjected to validation tests and experiments. Validation tests confirmed that
the prototype could launch curling stones accurately and consistently within the range of linear
and rotational velocities relevant to the sport, meeting the design constraints of the Rock Launcher.
However, there were some inaccuracies in achieving the target linear velocities at certain values.
Three different experiments were conducted using the Rock Launcher. The first experiment
revealed that both the longitudinal and lateral distances traveled by a stone slightly decrease over
an increasing number of identical throws. The second experiment demonstrated that longitudinal
and lateral displacements depend on linear velocity, that longitudinal displacement is largely
independent of rotational velocity, and that lateral displacement varies with rotational velocity. The
third experiment highlighted the potentially significant impact of a stone's running band
temperature on the longitudinal and lateral distances traveled by a stone. In the ranges that we
tested, stones with a low running band temperature traveled shorter longitudinal distances
compared to those at normal temperatures but traveled farther than stones with a higher running
band temperature. A similar pattern was observed for lateral distance, except that a different curl
direction occurred when the higher temperature stones were delivered.
Description
Keywords
Curling, Curling Stone, Rock Launcher
Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Program
Mechanical Engineering