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A Machine Design for Launching Curling Stones and an Initial Evaluation of its Efficacy

Date

2021-05-12

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6487-1345

Type

Thesis

Degree Level

Masters

Abstract

The goal of this thesis was to design, prototype, and test a device to launch curling stones at preset linear and rotational velocities, and at preset angles to the long axis of the curling ice sheet. This device will help sports scientists, physicists, and engineers investigate curling stone behavior, which can help inform several ongoing debates regarding the reason for this behavior. Moreover, this device will help curlers practice different sweeping techniques and help ice technicians calibrate the ice surface. After initial research and design, a prototype was fabricated and tested, including validation and experimental tests. Validation tests illustrated that the prototype is able to consistently launch the curling stones at preset linear and rotational velocities. The consistency of linear launching speeds met respective constraints and objectives of the project. However, the consistency of the curling stone’s rotational launch speed imparted by the prototype was not sufficient. Some recommendations were expressed to remedy this issue. Experimental tests were also performed using the prototype. These tests show that the stone’s lateral distance travelled is independent of the curling stone’s rotational speed while it has a rotational motion, but it has a strong relationship with the stone’s linear speed i.e. the curling stone’s lateral displacement increases with its linear speed. Another investigation was done on the curling stone’s longitudinal distance travelled. Results showed that the curling stone travels less far longitudinally in subsequent throws after conditioning of the ice i.e. the curling stone’s longitudinal distance travelled decreases after each throw. Furthermore, the effect of changes in the curling stone’s weight on its longitudinal distance travelled was investigated in additional tests. The data collected in this test was confounded.  

Description

Keywords

Curling, Curling Stone, Rock Launcher

Citation

Degree

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Program

Mechanical Engineering

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DOI

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