Ricochet of spinning sphere off water

This work presents a numerical investigation into a solid projectile (spherical) ricocheting off a water layer. The impact of a solid sphere (with different sizes) on a quiet air-water interface is investigated using time-dependent three-dimensional simulations. Simulation research on the water entrance process of a sphere is carried out using the Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian method (CEL). Aluminum and Ebonite, two different metal spheres with different specific gravity, were examined. The numerical results are compared with analytical solution and experimental data available in the literature. A particular range of projectile impact velocity and rotational speed (spin) is evaluated with multiple impact angles to determine the critical angle of impact. The critical ricochet angle was fully examined for different sizes, launch speeds, and spins. The results revealed that the critical ricochet angle depends not only on the specific gravity of the material but also on the size, launch speed, and spin of the sphere.