Sweeping effects on curling and friction estimation

Abstract

Sweeping using brushes in curling games is widely performed not only to extend the stone-stopping range but also to control curls, although little scientific evidence supports the curl-controlling effects. In this study, we performed a measurement to examine the effects by developing a stone-shooting machine-SSM-I. Additionally, a simple method for measuring friction in split time is proposed. The results suggested the positive effects of left-right asymmetric sweeping with 95% reliability for sweeping on the opposite half-side to assist curling. We also confirmed the effect of stopping-range extension with 99% reliability. Along with stone checking and inspecting their bottom roughness, SSM-I can assist in assessing the friction conditions of ice.