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Development of a Curling Rock Launcher to Improve Curling Research and Performance

Date

2024-09-04

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

Advisor

Part Of

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DOI

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