Abstract
A composite softball bat and two different softball constructions were investigated using experimental and finite element (FE) methods. Softball characterizations were completed using COR (coefficient of restitution against a flat wall), CCOR (cylindrical coefficient of restitution), compression, and dynamic stiffness. The composite bat characterization included barrel compression and modal analysis. FE analyses were completed in LS-DYNA to explore the capabilities for the experimentally determined material parameters for the softballs to be used in predicting bat performance as quantified by BBS (batted-ball speed). Softballs were modeled using the viscoelastic material models, and the composite softball bat model was constructed per the ply stack-up and ply properties as provided by the manufacturer. The model showed mixed results for its ability to predict the relative batted-ball speed as a function of ball type for the two softballs considered in the study.
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