Modal Analysis of Baseball Bats

Authors

• Conner Walker, St. John Fisher University

Document Type

Poster Presentation

Publication Date

4-2026

Keywords

fsc2026

Abstract

The study I performed with Dr. Stephens uses Vibrational Modal Analysis to help characterize the natural frequencies and mode shapes of two different material bats which include a Easton Composite Softball Bat and a Louisville Slugger wood bat. We designed a free-vibration suspension system to hold the bat freely in the air. Data was collected at one inch intervals using an accelerometer and a modal hammer to map these structural responses. We show how hitting at a vibrational node eliminates sting while hitting at anti nodes maximizes the sting. High Speed Camera equipment was also used to help capture real time footage of the bat flexing, offering a complete dive into the mechanical integrity and acoustics that define “sting” in baseball bats.

Comments

Poster presented at the 2026 Fisher Showcase, St. John Fisher University, April 17, 2026.

Publication Information

Walker, Conner, "Modal Analysis of Baseball Bats" (2026). Fisher Showcase 2026. Paper 183.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/fsc2026/183

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