Why foam injection works

Why foam injection works

Written by: Brian Laposa

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Time to read 2 min

Understanding the Impact of Foam
The introduction of foam into pickleball paddles has significantly altered the game's dynamics. To understand why, let's delve into the physics and mathematics involved:
1. Energy Absorption and Transfer:
 * Elasticity: Foam is a viscoelastic material, meaning it can absorb and store energy, then release it slowly. This property is crucial in pickleball, as it allows the paddle to absorb the energy from the ball's impact, reducing the force experienced by the player's hand.
To extrapolate wave propagation in pickleball paddles, we need to consider the average characteristics of a ball impact:
 * Ball Mass: Approximately 20 grams
 * Impact Velocity: Varies widely, but let's assume an average of 10 meters per second for a hard serve
 * Impact Angle: Can range from perpendicular to glancing, but let's assume a 45-degree angle for simplicity
The speed of a wave in a material depends on its properties. For a typical foam used in pickleball paddles, the wave speed might be around 1000 meters per second. This value can vary depending on the specific foam type and density.
 * Initial Conditions: When the ball strikes the paddle, it generates a pressure wave. The initial conditions for this wave can be determined based on the ball's mass, velocity, and impact angle.
 * Wave Propagation: The wave will propagate through the foam, spreading out radially from the point of impact. The amplitude of the wave will decrease as it travels through the foam due to energy dissipation.
 * Boundary Conditions: The wave will encounter the paddle's surface and the foam's interior boundaries. These boundaries can reflect or absorb the wave, depending on their properties. In theory this is how foam channel molding around the exterior works.
 * Damping: The foam's damping properties help to reduce vibrations that might otherwise be transmitted to the player's hand, potentially causing discomfort or injury.
 * Dwell Time: The foam's elasticity allows for a longer dwell time of the ball on the paddle's surface. This increased contact time provides greater control over the ball's trajectory and spin.
 * Spin Generation: The foam's ability to absorb and release energy can enhance the generation of spin on the ball. This is particularly important for advanced players who rely on spin to control the ball's trajectory and pace.
 * Vibration Reduction: The foam's damping properties help to reduce vibrations that can occur when the ball strikes the paddle outside of the sweet spot. This can lead to a larger effective sweet spot, making it easier for players to consistently return the ball with power and control.
In conclusion our foam injection technology is an important material development for pickleball paddle technology. It is an obvious improvement in almost every way and a source that can be developed much more. Our paddle designs are superior and almost every aspect except wait which we are working on diligently.

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