ABSTRACT

A simple rigid-body model of a cricket bat predicts an idealised performance not achieved in practice due to vibrations set up in the bat during its impact with the ball. There are three significant flexure modes of vibration in a typical excitation spectrum. A Finite Element model is used to compare the modal performance of a variety of designs that incorporate popular design features. Most of these features are ineffective in raising the frequency of the highest mode out of the excitation spectrum. Those features that do enhance performance essentially increase the stiffness of either the handle or the blade. Whilst it is feasible to design out the influence of the highest significant flexure mode, the remaining two modes could remain a problem with a rigid handle.