Aerodynamics of Golf Ball

• Before dimples we first need to understand the aerodynamic

properties of a sphere.

Considering inviscid flow:

0⁰ = Drag force
180⁰ = Thrust force

Thus ,thrust equals drag.

Considering viscid flow:

d'Alembert's Paradox
The actual flow field around a
sphere looks much different than his
theory predicts because friction
causes a phenomenon known as
flow separation.
The region of separated flow is
dominated by unsteady,
recirculating vortices that create a
wake.
Thus the drag on a sphere is
dominated by the flow separation
over its rear face.
Reynold’s number:

- One of the key factors affecting flow separation is the behaviour of

the boundary layer.

- It is within this layer that the adverse pressure gradient develops

that causes the airflow to separate from the surface.

- An adverse pressure gradient occurs when the static

pressure increases in the direction of the flow.
 LAMINAR TURBELENT

Re < 2100 Re > 4000

Rapid mixing speeds up the air flow &

Fragile in nature, hence flow separation gives more forward momentum, hence
takes place easily. flow separation takes place after a long
time.
Flow comparison of Sphere & Golf
ball
 These results tell us that causing a turbulent boundary layer to form
on the front surface significantly reduces the sphere's drag.

For a given sphere diameter, a designer has only two options

encourage this transition,

1) increase the speed of the flow over the sphere to increase the
Reynolds number beyond transition .

2) Make the surface rough in order to create turbulence which is

often referred to as tripping the boundary layer.
 Flight of the golf ball
• Ball with back spin obeys
Newton’s III law, i.e., Equal
& Opposite reaction

• The ball exerts a force on

the air to push it down. The
reaction is an equal force
that the air applies to the
ball, pushing it up.
Spin, lift, and ballooning
 Conclusion

• The dimples over a golf ball causes the flow to

transition from laminar to turbulent flow.
• In a turbulent flow separation is delayed, hence drag is
reduced.

• Backspin creates lift, which is necessary to get the best

distance from the golf ball.
• The amount of spin you need for the best distance will
vary, mostly with ball speed, but also with launch angle.