ABSTRACT

The present analysis uses lumped-parameter models to represent compliance arising in a small deforming region around the contact point of a baseball; this compliance can be represented by discrete elements oriented in directions perpendicular and parallel to the common tangent plane of impact (CTP) – components that can be identified as normal and tangential respectively. The basis of this study is introduced by Stronge (2001) through a “Linear Compliance Model”. That model assumed linear deformation and hysteresis in the normal element only. Although Stronge’s model shows some features characteristic of experimental results (Cross, 2002), it fails to accurately represent energy dissipation of tangential element. Experimental results by Cross & Nathan (2006) indicated that tangential compliance is significant in calculating the scattering of a baseball by a bat.