Numerical simulation and characteristics investigation of golf ball trajectory

Abstract

In this study, MATrixLABoratory (MATLAB)’s ode 45 method was adopted to investigate the effects of the three main factors on golf trajectory characteristics, and the preferred striking conditions were concluded. Meanwhile, the results of interaction analysis were used to assess the dependence of carry distance and peak height on each factor. Eventually, the realistic normal swing tests were conducted in a laboratory to confirm the validation and accuracy of the mathematical model. The simulated results showed that a faster club head speed generally enabled to improve carry distance. However, once the rotational speed was more than 3,000 r·min-1, the increased tendency of carry distance turned to decrease. Moreover, the decreased tendency was aggravated as the increase of club head speed and launch angle, but the low launch angle benefited to alleviate the decrease. Compared to the carry distance, peak height always rose in any conditions. Meanwhile, the combined effects of the three factors on carry distance were more obvious than on the peak height. Finally, the optimised striking strategies were concluded for golfer-slow, golfer-medium and golfer-fast, respectively.