Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatSpeed@aol.com) on Fri Oct 22 12:58:30 2004

>>> Hi Jack,

I would still like to resolve the conflict identified. You have since conceded, if bat force is constant, then bat velocity is linear.

However, do you believe this is the case? Your dragster analogy suggests you believe bat acceleration (and thus force) is increasing.

If you believe bat velocity increases more in the last unit of time then the first unit of time during a swing, then swing force must be increasing throughout.

Thanks,
Mike. <<<

Hi Mike

I agree that with a constant applied force, the increase in velocity attained is on an increasing upward linear slope as pointed out with Tom’s gravity example – to 32 fps the first second – to 64 fps the second – 96 fps …etc. That is a linear increase in velocity from a constant force.

However, with a constant force (gravity), if we plot the distance a mass has dropped, it is an exponential up-slope. 0 ft to 32 ft to 96ft to 192ft to 320ft …etc. This is the point I was trying to make with the dragster/bat-travel analogy. --- Note: I understand that the mass does not drop 32 ft in the first second – it accelerated to 32 fps. However, the actual numbers traveled will also plot an exponential increase from a constant force applied.

Jack Mankin.