new In the study The authors have identified a type of stone that is startlingly ideal for ducks, writes A Watchman. Many people prefer large, flat stones if they want to throw them away, but the researchers’ mathematical model shows that it’s worth choosing a different type for a more interesting result.
Dr. Ryan PalmerW., a mathematician at the University of Bristol Frank Smith, of University College London, developed a model that measures how an object’s shape and mass affect slip on a surface. The data is not only important to ducks, but it can also help investigate engineering problems such as landing aircraft on water, among other things.
Based on the results, there is a relationship between the mass of the stone and the curvature of its lower part when bent. Although heavier, curved pieces can’t be thrown as often as they can be thrown with a lighter flat stone, with enough practice a truly amazing huge bounce can still be achieved.
