Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Laser Micromachining for Polymer Surface Topography Design
Published on: September 19, 2025
A surface topography analysis of the curling stone curl mechanism
Viktor Honkanen1,2, Markus Ovaska2, Mikko J Alava1
1Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 11100, FI-00076, Aalto, Espoo, Finland.
Abstract:
The curling motion of the curling stone on ice is well-known: if a small clockwise rotational velocity is imposed to the stone when it is released, in addition to the linear propagation velocity, the stone will curl to the right. A similar curl to the left is obtained by counter-clockwise rotation. This effect is widely used in the game to reach spots behind the already thrown stones, and the rotation also causes the stone to propagate in a more predictable fashion. Here, we report on novel experimental results which support one of the proposed theories to account for the curling motion of the stone, known as the "scratch-guiding theory". By directly scanning the ice surface with a white light interferometer before and after each slide, we observed cross-scratches caused by the leading and trailing parts of the circular contact band of the linearly moving and rotating stone. By analyzing these scratches and a typical curling stone trajectory, we show that during most of the slide, the transverse force responsible for the sideways displacement of the stone is linearly proportional to the angle between these cross-scratches.
More Related Videos
10:28Investigating the Relationship between Sea Surface Chlorophyll and Major Features of the South China Sea with Satellite Information
Published on: June 13, 2020
14:11Quantification of Hydrogen Concentrations in Surface and Interface Layers and Bulk Materials through Depth Profiling with Nuclear Reaction Analysis
Published on: March 29, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Divergence and Curl
Divergence and Curl of Electric Field
Divergence and Curl of Magnetic Field
Methods of Obtaining Topography
Types of Building Stone
Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of magma or lava. An example is granite, known for its durability and resistance to weathering, making it ideal for parts of...
Quarrying of Stone
One common method involves using a diamond belt saw to cut large blocks from the quarry face. These blocks can be about 50 feet long and 12 feet high. After the initial vertical cut, drilling is performed at the base of the...