| dc.description.abstract | The thesis objective is to experimentally test and validate a mathematical model that simulates the trajectory of a thrown golf disc. A number of studies have been conducted with similar thesis statements, but not of a full range trajectory throw. Therefore, one of the main achievements of our study is the method created to perform and analyze these experiments.
The method consisted of developing an experimental setup capable of capturing all parameters that the mathematical model needed to simulate a trajectory. Next, we created a systematic plan of action which would then be used to extract the actual parameters from our experimental footage.
We conducted a study of three different release angles: hyzer, flat and anhyzer. We studied their simulated trajectories and compared them to the actual open environment throws.
Our results showed that the model was capable of producing trajectories similar to open environment throws. At the same time, when comparing the simulated trajectories with the actual throws, the model proved to be sensitive to small changes in input parameters. This was clearly seen in our comparison figures, where some of the simulated trajectories differed drastically from the actual throw. The results also showed different degrees of deviation, depending on the throwing type.
We then discussed the sensitivity of the parameters and what potential errors might have affected the results. Here we also discussed our statistical findings, looking at the correlation between speed and spin, and the roll angles in relation to the landing zones.
We therefore concluded that the model could produce trajectories similar to the actual throws. However, with the model’s sensitivity combined with the potential flaws of our analytically produced parameters, an accurate comparison could be difficult to achieve for all throws | |
