physics
of pool and billiards Dr.
Dave's answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs),
mostly from the BD
CCB and AZB
discussion forums
maintained for the book: The
Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards,
the DVD series: The Video Encyclopedia of Pool Shots,
and the monthly Billiards
Digest "Illustrated Principles" instructional articles
Where can I find information on the billiards and pool physics work of the great mathematician and physicist Coriolis?
My July through December '05 instructional articles summarize and illustrate many of Coriolis' original contributions. Also, an English translation of his famous book became available in 2005.
What are approximate values for pool equipment physical properties?
ball diameter: 2.25 in
ball mass: 6 oz
ball mass moment of inertia: 2/5 mR2
ball-ball coefficient of friction (m): 0.03-0.08
ball-ball coefficient of restitution (e): 0.92-0.98
ball-cloth coefficient of rolling resistance (m): 0.01
ball-cloth coefficient of sliding friction (m): 0.2
ball-cloth spin deceleration rate: 11 rad/sec2
ball-rail coefficient of restitution (e): 0.7
ball-table coefficient of resitution (e): 0.5
cue-tip-ball coefficient of friction (m): 0.6
cue-tip-ball coefficient of resitution (e): 0.71-0.75 (leather tip), 0.81-0.87 (phenolic tip)
Typical cue ball speeds for a range of shots:
touch: 1.5 mph
slow: 3 mph
medium-soft: 5 mph
medium: 7 mph
medium-fast: 8 mph
fast: 12 mph
power: 20 mph
Where can I find information and resources on pool and billiards physics?
The billiards and pool physics resources section of my website has lists of references and links to many general interest and technical articles, books, and websites providing excellent resources on this topic.