The aim of this study was to determine the differences in characteristics between traditional waterfowl-feather and officially approved synthetic-feather shuttlecocks. The following tests were conducted as part of this study: (1) physical measurements of the synthetic-feather shuttlecock; (2) human tests; (3) wind tunnel tests; and (4) 2D flight simulations. The synthetic-feather shuttlecock was significantly heavier by 0.1 g (1.9%) ad shorterby 2.4 mm (2.8%). It velocity immediately after impact was lower by 2.1 m/s (2.8%) and its atttude change was greater by 4.4 ° (10.9%). Air resistance decrased at 0 ° and 15 °, but increased at 45 °. 2D flight simulations based on wind tunnel experiments showed that with an initial velocity of 90 m/s, the synthetic-feather shuttlecock recorded a simulated flight distance of over 0.9 m (7.8%) further than that of the watrfowl-feather shuttlecock. These results suggest that the synthetic-feather shuttlecock has a longer flight distance due to experiencing less air resistance during flight despite a lower initial velocity immediately after impact. Based on these findings, net players may find that the synthetic-feather shuttlecock comes at them at a lower velocity during gameplay, while hitters and line players may find that it travels further.
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