PING PONG PATH PREDICTOR

This project models the 3D flight dynamics of a spinning ping‑pong ball by solving its full translational motion under aerodynamic drag and the Magnus effect. Using MATLAB’s ODE framework, the simulation integrates gravity, velocity‑dependent drag, and spin‑induced lift to produce a physically accurate trajectory that reflects how real balls curve, dip, and arc in flight. The governing equations combine gravity, quadratic drag, and spin‑generated lift through a cross‑product formulation of the Magnus force.

Initial conditions for position, velocity, and spin rate define the starting state of the ball, and MATLAB’s ode45 solver integrates the motion over time. The simulation outputs a full set of 3D trajectory plots, axis‑aligned projections, and a table‑height collision mask that terminates the path once the ball reaches the playing surface. A rendered ping‑pong table model provides spatial context, allowing the curved flight path to be viewed relative to realistic court dimensions.

By adjusting spin and velocity inputs, the simulation demonstrates how lift coefficients, drag coefficients, and angular velocity influence the ball’s curvature and descent. This makes the project a compact study in aerodynamics, numerical integration, and physics‑based modeling. The resulting tool can replicate topspin, backspin, sidespin, and combined spin profiles to show how each affects real‑world trajectories.

The model is structured so additional physical effects can be incorporated without changing the overall workflow. Future extensions may include Reynolds‑dependent drag behavior, spin‑rate decay, and contact dynamics to increase realism and expand the range of trajectory behaviors that can be simulated.