Scientific development of badminton shuttlecocks

Abstract

This paper reviews published works of the field of badminton research within the past 50 years, focusing primarily on the design and flight dynamics of shuttlecocks to identify any knowledge gap. With regards to shuttlecock research, various methodologies involving empirical and theoretical studies including: wind tunnel testing, simulation, shuttlecock design and prototyping, have been presented. To improve the readability, studies are discussed collectively based on the nature of the investigation according to whether empirical and/or combinations of theoretical approaches have been implemented. Upon reviewing the current body of literature, it is believed that there is a lack of emphasis in correlating the structural and aerodynamics aspects of the badminton shuttlecock. Further investigation into the structural mechanics of the bird feathers used for natural feather shuttlecocks may serve as an inspiration in the development of subsequent synthetic shuttlecock designs.