Article

Abstract

We derive equations of motion describing curling rock dynamics. These are solved analytically for centre of mass motion, and for angular motion. The resulting relationship between linear and angular speeds agrees with observation. Physical mechanisms are discussed that give rise to asymmetry of the coefficient of friction. It is found that a small left--right asymmetry, described by a single parameter, is all that is required to explain how a curling rock curls. Conclusions are presented and compared with the results of previous work. A discussion of further work completes the paper.PACS No. 46.10