Aerodynamics of Cricket Ball Swing, Reverse-Swing, and Knuckleball

Explore the fascinating world of sports aerodynamics in this comprehensive lecture where Prof. Sanjay Mittal analyzes the complex physics behind projectile motion across various sports. Learn how air interacts with different sports equipment, from the distinct characteristics of duck-feather versus nylon shuttlecocks in badminton to the intricate dynamics of cricket ball movement. Discover the science behind cricket bowling techniques, including detailed explanations of reverse swing and contrast-swing supported by wind-tunnel experiments and Large Eddy Simulations. Understand the true mechanics of the knuckleball delivery, drawing parallels between cricket and baseball, and examine the optimal conditions for achieving this deceptive movement. Gain insights into the aerodynamics of various sports projectiles, including the graceful flight patterns of frisbees, the spin effects in soccer, and the precise engineering of golf balls. Part of RRI's Vignyana Kathegalu science talk series, this presentation combines experimental data from IIT Kanpur's National Wind Tunnel Facility with practical sports applications to illuminate the crucial role of fluid dynamics in athletic performance.