Wind effect on a flying ball 1

[Thomasjl]

Hi,
With a rugby place kick the ball is kicked high up in the air. Sometimes the bal travels up to 50m.
I am investigating the effect of the side, tail and head wind on the ball.
My question is whether it is possible to calculate these effects, so I could determine:
1. The vertical angle between the ground and the start direction of the ball.
2. The horizontal angle between the start direction of the ball and the spot where de ball lands
Thanks, Thomas

 

[DoubleGeek]

For starters, here's a reference on the basics of your problem:

http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/physics-of-football2.htm.

Even though the above is phrased as a punting problem with an (American) football, the solution for your first question is the same.

The problem with predicting the landing spot is twofold: (1) experts can't agree on a drag coefficient for any oblong-type ball that is rotating end-over-end, and (2) the drag varies greatly as the ball decreases in speed after impact, anyway. These problems also affect the predictability of the lateral wind effect.

Another punting-problem analysis is here:

http://www.wooster.edu/physics/JrIS/Files/Ryan.pdf.

This one gives some empirical data, which might help you fine-tune your calculations. Good luck!