Making a Golf Ball More Aerodynamic - Essay Example

Making A Golf Ball More Aerodynamic A dissertation submitted by [CLICK HERE AND TYPE to [CLICK HERE AND TYPE SCHOOL in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of in [CLICK HERE AND TYPE DEGREE NAME] This dissertation has been accepted for the faculty of [Click here and type school name]by: Name of Chair Chair Name of Advisor Advisor Name of External Reader External Reader Abstract Since the first known “golf ball, known as a featherie, which was simply a leather pouch filled with goose feathers” (Cislunar Aerospace, 1998) started the golfing revolution, manufacturers and engineers have been constantly looking to improve how far a golf ball can be driven using normal conditions. Typically this first golf ball could be driven anywhere from 150 to 175 yards. With the invention of the dimpled golf ball this improved to 180 to 250 yards. With the introduction of a dimpled golf ball, the game of golf has improved without a doubt, but, there is room for improvement. The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the possibilities of improving the aerodynamics of an average 360 dimple American golf ball and an average 330 dimple British ball using 3D modelling. Through this modelling program, empirical data will be utilized in testing the application of improved aerodynamics. This data will then be used as a base in developing a theorem into how best to improve the yardage of the average golf ball. Proposal As many amateur and professional golf enthusiasts look to improving both their game and handicap status, there have been many design changes in both golf clubs and golf balls. There has also been many experiments completed on the golf ball itself through aerodynamic testing using wind and water; but, few, if any, tests done on the internal mechanics of the golf balls since the introduction of rubber inside the golf ball that made it lighter and more solid. The purpose of this dissertation will be in performing testing in a different way in an effort to improve the golf ball itself. By providing a 3D model of sensors inside the golf ball to monitor wind, water and air pressure an attempt will be made to gather all the data in an effort to enhance the performance of the average golf ball. A 3D model of the location of the sensors will be produced and once this data has been successfully gathered through the use of several different testing methodologies, an analysis will then detail the results. To understand why this is important, we need to look at why the common golf ball can be improved and there is no further to look but “the aerodynamic drag on a sphere. There are two types of drag experienced by a sphere. The first is the obvious drag due to friction. This only accounts for a small part of the drag experienced by a ball. The majority of the drag comes from the separation of the flow behind the ball and is known as pressure drag due to separation.” (Cislunar Aerospace, 1998) Background/Significance and Need Using the 3-D modelling software program, Solid Works, a design will be compiled in detailing where the sensors will be located in six locations under the dimples of each of the golf balls, American and British. The diagram will provide a cross-section of the ball showing the sensors attached along with the proposed co-efficient drag of the ball in three atmospheric conditions: wind, air pressure and water velocity. This initial proposal does not provide the true outcome of the 3D model of the sensors, but, through a 3D Imaging program the intended starting point of the design is explanatory. 3D Initial Design Specs The following is an initial conceptual design using 3D Canvas by Amabilis Software which shows where the sensors on the balls will be inserted beneath the skin of the golf ball to achieve an analysis of wind, water and air current sensory data. The internal mechanism in the golf ball will carry the bulk of the information received from the sensors and will be indicated through the diagram here. Further Data Modelling Using the initial model designs, a 3D diagram will be representative of the exact design replica of both the American and British golf ball. Each of the data models will show exactly where each of the sensors will be located and upon that distinction, two 3D designs will be forthcoming for the two different golf balls. Data Collection Methods Using this empirical data, there will be an evaluation of what the sensor data produced as well as providing recommendations of the next step in the process as well as a feasibility study to gauge where the data and modelling program can best be utilized. A SWOT analysis will also be discussed with respect to the business aspect of implementation of the analysis data as well as the future applications of such data. Anticipated Results The anticipated outcome of this testing is to gauge how much each of the environmental factors (wind, air and air pressure) effects the yardage of an average golf ball. By using this data it will provide a starting point as to how best to improve the golf ball to improve both the amateur and professional player. By comparing the data from this test model of sensors inside the golf ball and previous testing data retrieved from Cislunar Aerospace and two other yet unnamed sports aerodynamics facilities, a comparative analysis will be completed in an effort to provide recommendations and possible test models to be manufactured for real-world testing. Plan/Method and Approach The starting point prior to testing will be in gathering all applicable data from Cislunar Aerospace and two other companies affiliated with this type of research in order to design the 3-D model of the golf ball. This data will be compiled to pinpoint where their testing left off and where further testing can be best utilized. Upon retrieving all this data and compiling it in a report, the 3-D modelling program will then be used to provide both a cross-sectional as well as an overall model of where the sensors will be placed underneath the outer skin of the golf ball in order to complete the actual testing of the golf ball under three various conditions. The testing will simulate different wind and air pressure variations using different clubs favoured by golf players as well as the potential targeted yardage of both standard golf balls and the test sensor ball. The snapshot diagrams will show each of the variable conditions as well as what the recommendations are with respect to the results of the test sensor ball. The estimated time frame for gathering all empirical data will take approximately two-weeks upon acceptance of the proposal. Upon receiving the results of the data collection and model calculations, it will take another week to compile data and a further week in developing recommendations as to what the data provided and how it may or may not benefit the golfing industry. Conclusion It is highly anticipated that the results will answer the age-old question of how far a dimpled ball can go. There has been many studies completed with respect to improving the yardage of balls through the use of engineered golf clubs and improved golf greens; but, not much testing has been conducted in improving the ball’s internal mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to not only understand the inner workings of the golf ball and a breakdown of the materials used in the balls of today, but, also to further understand the aerodynamics of how the ball travels in the air and water. Through the conducting of these tests, it may be revealed that not only to improve the balls outer skin would improve the desired result of increased yardage, but, it may be found that there are lighter materials that could be used that provides the height, speed, weight and distance that many golfers need to improve their sport. Through the information and data provided it is anticipated that perhaps a new generation of golf ball may be a viable option for the golfing industry and provide the incite into how materials may be a potential shift in how golf balls are manufactured. References Cislunar Aerospace. 1998. “Why does a golf ball have dimples?” Retrieved February 5, 2006 from http://wings.avkids.com/Book/Sports/instructor/golf-01.html 3D Data Modelling Software. “3D Canvas” by Amabilis. Version 6.5.1.0. Copyright 2005. Read More