Experimental and numerical investigation of the mechanical properties of table tennis rackets

Sammanfattning

This master thesis explores the dynamic and mechanical properties of table tennis rackets, with a focus on Stiga’s innovative Cybershape racket, which features a design aimed at optimizing performance. The study combines experimental and computational methods to analyze racket’s distribution of vibration frequencies under impact, ball rebound characteristics, and material properties.Four key methodologies were employed:1. Free-Hanging Impact Hammer Tests to measure vibrational modes and frequency responses under free boundary conditions, revealing how the design influences dynamic response.2. Ball Rebound Tests to evaluate the coefficient of restitution (COR) across different racket regions, demonstrating the Cybershape’s enhanced sweet spot in upper areas compared to traditional round rackets.3. Material Property Testing (tensile and three-point bending tests) to determine stiffness and flexural properties of constituent woods (Limba and Abachi), providing inputs for simulations.4. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in ANSYS to simulate racket behavior, validated against experimental data.The results indicate that the Cybershape racket exhibits superior rebound performance in its upper regions, likely due to its geometry, while material tests highlight critical anisotropic properties for the design. The study bridges empirical measurements with simulations, offering insights for future racket optimization. Limitations include boundary condition variability and material heterogeneity. Future work could explore spin dynamics and advanced robotic testing for higher precision.