Abstract

Laboratory tests are used to investigate the relationship between baseball bat performance and two bat properties: moment of inertia (MOI) and barrel stiffness for aluminium and composite bats. Each bat used in the current study is specifically designed and manufactured to isolate a particular property. Static tests, e.g. three-point bend and barrel compression, are used to characterize the properties of each bat. The natural frequencies of the bat are measured using modal techniques. Dynamic performance testing is done using an air cannon capable of throwing a baseball at collision speeds equal to those seen in field play. For the bats studied, variation in MOI contributed more to performance in the lab than did barrel stiffness. However, the changes in predicted field performance due to the two properties were similar. Verf.-Referat