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On generalized rolling of golf balls considering an offset center of mass and rolling resistance: a study of putting

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Abstract

This paper seeks to address the implications on putting a golf ball with an off-center mass by analyzing the effect of unbalanced mass of ball on its impact and subsequent rolling. We present the general formulation of a rigid golf ball rolling with slip that is able to transition to rolling friction on an arbitrary surface. Particular attention is given to the effects of the offset center of mass on the golf ball’s path. An experimental setup based on a USGA Stimpmeter is used to calibrate the position of contact point as the ball rolls on the green. The trajectories of the ball due to the mass imbalance were studied by numerically solving the equations of motion during putting. Theoretical predictions show that a mass imbalance has little effect on the launch conditions of the ball. However, on a level green a mass offset center of 0.2 % of the ball’s radius can impact the path of the ball with the consequences of missing the hole in a 5.8 m putt. Changing golf ball trajectories with mass offset center has implications on the development of balls and putting.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Dr. Charles Thorpe for his insightful comments, and Mr. Barney Adams for inspiring this study. Finally the authors would like to acknowledge Mr. Charles Wood for his help on the experimental setup.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, 13699, USA

    Nasim Daemi, Scott Henning, Philip Yuya & Goodarz Ahmadi

  2. School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA

    James Gibert

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  1. Nasim Daemi
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  2. Scott Henning
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  3. James Gibert
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  4. Philip Yuya
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  5. Goodarz Ahmadi
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Correspondence to Philip Yuya.

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Daemi, N., Henning, S., Gibert, J. et al. On generalized rolling of golf balls considering an offset center of mass and rolling resistance: a study of putting. Sports Eng 19, 35–46 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-015-0186-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-015-0186-2

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