Mathematical modelling of the bounce of an oval shaped ball

Currently, Sport analysts use kicking and passing to analyse the dynamics of the rugby ball. Because not much of the gameplay of rugby revolves around the bouncing of the ball, many do not pay attention to reading the bounce. Given that there are players who are experienced enough to position themselves almost accurately to catch a bouncing ball, the bulk of the people who watch the sport or are new to the sport, determine a well caught catch a lucky bounce. Therefore the purpose of this study was to assess the initial bounce of the ball to determine its position in terms of height and horizontal distance travelled. More information and results such as the speed it is travelling at would be taken into account for a better understanding. The scope of this project was to identify the different angles and the results produced. In doing so, a player could position himself/herself in an advantageous position to catch the ball after the bounce. Furthermore, the optimal angle of inclination could give rise to other developments such as the optimal angle to position a rugby ball when taking a place kick. This is a crucial component of the sport as it gives a team points when scored. Six different angles were tested out with five tests at each angle. The results were assessed to show which angles or angle provide the best bounce in terms of how high and far the ball would end up at. These tests would show that the best angle of inclination was at 〖30〗^0 and not 〖45〗^0, as all other projectiles share. The optimal angle of projectile motion is 〖45〗^0. However with these tests, the results obtained showed the uniqueness of the rugby ball.Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering