Asymmetrical Glide Dynamics: Decoding the Impact of Quasi-Liquid Layer Pressure on Curling Stone Motion

15 May 2025, Version 1
This content is an early or alternative research output and has not been peer-reviewed by Cambridge University Press at the time of posting.

Abstract

The enigmatic movement of a curling stone, distinguished by its curved path, has persistently fascinated both physicists and sports enthusiasts. Although the existence of a thin quasi-liquid layer (QLL) below the stone is recognized as vital for its low-friction glide, the exact mechanisms governing the curl continue to be a topic of active research. This article builds on the quasi-liquid layer-pressure asymmetrical model put forward by Hao and Wang (arXiv:2302.11348, ScienceOpen Preprints, 2025). It aims to further clarify how pressure-induced changes within the QLL give rise to the distinctive curl. By analyzing the interaction among the applied force, the pressure distribution beneath the moving stone, and the resulting asymmetrical thickness of the QLL, we gain a more in - depth comprehension of the forces that cause the lateral deviation seen in curling.

Keywords

Curling
Quasi-Liquid Layer
Pressure Asymmetry
Friction
Ice Physics
Rotational Motion

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