Evaluation of restitution performance and examination of estimate equation of coefficient of restitution of table tennis racket

Abstract

The performance of a table tennis racket is often stipulated using an unique standard for the manufacturer. However, the performance criteria for restitution characteristics still have been unclear due to lack of qualitative evaluation by each manufacturer. For metal baseball bats, a formula that can easily estimate the coefficient of restitution (COR) for the bat has been proposed. Similarly, it is important to establish a method that can control the COR at the design stage for table tennis rackets. In this study, first, to understand the restitution characteristics of the table tennis ball used in the official game, an impact test was conducted on a pseudo-rigid wall at low to high velocity. Then, for 15 types of rackets, the COR of the racket body (with and without rubber) was measured. Additionally, the natural frequency and flexural rigidity of the racket body without rubber were measured. Furthermore, these experimental data revealed relationships between the COR and both of the impact velocity and natural frequency of the racket. A formula for the COR was derived similar to that for a baseball bat, and developed by considering the flexural rigidity. The effect of rubber on the COR was also investigated. Consequently, the effects of ball’s impact velocity, racket’s natural frequency and racket’s flexural rigidity on the COR of the racket were clarified. From these results, an equation that can estimate and control the COR of the racket at the design stage was developed.