Some observations on the flow physics of paddle racquets

Abstract

Paddle, padel or platform tennis is a rapidly growing sport derived from tennis, but played in smaller courts using a solid racquet, instead of a strung one. Most of the racquet manufacturers drill holes in the head arguing improved aerodynamic performances. The question is, if almost all manufacturers drill aerodynamic holes, are they optimally distributed from the fluid dynamics point of view? In this work, we use a generic racquet model to analyse what is the effect of the holes on the drag forces suffered by the racquet and how these forces are related to the wakes seen by the racquet during its motion. A porosity parameter is defined that takes into account not only the porosity itself but also how it is distributed within the racquet’s head. Digital particle image velocimetry is used to quantify the flow field around the racquet, allowing the identification of different wake topologies that can be related to different drag performances.