group

What campus are you from?

Daytona Beach

Authors' Class Standing

Karolina Rzeszut, Sophomore Sarah Kraus, Sophomore Montana Smith, Sophomore Nathan Rowland, Sophomore Lucas Owen, Sophomore Kyler Akers, Sophomore Karolina Rzeszut, Sophomore

Lead Presenter's Name

Karolina Rzeszut

Faculty Mentor Name

Hemanta Kunwar

Abstract

Multivariable calculus helps explain how things work when more than one variable interacts at once, connecting with ideas such as architecture, nature, and most significantly football. In the latter, the ellipsoid equation has a significant effect on the aerodynamics of the ball, particularly the spiral motion when thrown. A football has three main dimensions: length, width, and height. Changing the ratios among these dimensions affects factors such as the stability of the spiral, the height of the throw’s parabolic path, and the overall distance the ball travels. By exploring these connections, this work shows how calculus can describe motion, efficiency, and balance.

Did this research project receive funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research.

No

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Applications of Multivariable Calculus in Football

Multivariable calculus helps explain how things work when more than one variable interacts at once, connecting with ideas such as architecture, nature, and most significantly football. In the latter, the ellipsoid equation has a significant effect on the aerodynamics of the ball, particularly the spiral motion when thrown. A football has three main dimensions: length, width, and height. Changing the ratios among these dimensions affects factors such as the stability of the spiral, the height of the throw’s parabolic path, and the overall distance the ball travels. By exploring these connections, this work shows how calculus can describe motion, efficiency, and balance.

 

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