Photo credit: phys.org
A New Model for Predicting Bowling Ball Trajectories
Bowling remains a popular sport in the United States, with millions of dollars at stake in tournaments and over 45 million participants annually. However, a comprehensive model that effectively predicts the behavior of a bowling ball down the lane has yet to be developed.
Recent research published in AIP Advances by a team from Princeton, MIT, the University of New Mexico, Loughborough University, and Swarthmore College introduces a novel approach to bowling predictions. The researchers have created a model utilizing a series of six differential equations, derived from Euler’s equations applicable to a rotating rigid body. Their findings reveal the optimal placement for a bowling ball, illustrating conditions that enhance the likelihood of achieving a strike.
According to Curtis Hooper, one of the authors of the study, “The simulation model we created could serve as a valuable resource for players, coaches, equipment manufacturers, and tournament organizers. The accurate prediction of ball trajectories could inspire new strategies and innovative equipment designs.”
Traditionally, forecasting the results of bowling shots has heavily relied on statistical analyses of past performances by bowlers rather than focusing on the ball’s dynamics and the specifics of the shots. Such methodologies frequently fall short when accounting for the slight variations in a bowler’s style.
The researchers’ model considers a broad range of factors impacting the game. For instance, it takes into account the oil pattern applied to the lanes, a crucial aspect since this layer can vary significantly in thickness and configuration in competitive contexts. This irregular application results in varying friction levels, complicating targeting strategies for bowlers.
Currently, bowlers and their coaches primarily depend on personal experience and intuition, which, as Hooper points out, can often lead to inaccuracies and suboptimal performance.
“Our model addresses these challenges by providing a framework that accurately calculates bowling trajectories based on all pertinent factors influencing ball motion,” Hooper noted. “It also computes a ‘miss-room’ to accommodate human error, allowing bowlers to discover their individual optimal targeting strategies.”
Developing this model presented numerous challenges, particularly in representing the motion of the uniquely asymmetric bowling ball. Moreover, the team sought to simplify the input requirements for predicting trajectories into actionable terms easily understood and measurable by bowlers using standard equipment.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to enhance the model’s precision by integrating additional factors, such as variations in lane surfaces, while also collaborating with industry professionals to ensure the model is relevant and applicable in real-world scenarios.
More information: Using physics simulations to find targeting strategies in competitive tenpin bowling, AIP Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1063/5.0247761
Citation: A bowling revolution: Modeling the perfect conditions for a strike (2025, April 15) retrieved 15 April 2025 from https://phys.org/news/2025-04-bowling-revolution-conditions.html
Source
phys.org