ABSTRACT
The present study examines the effect of dimple diameter and depth on the aerodynamic performance of golf balls. Wind tunnel testing of machined polymer prototypes provided the aerodynamic data to allow comparison of the lift and drag characteristics over a range of dimple diameters and depths. Measurements were performed for a sufficient range of wind velocities and spin rates to allow simulation of a driver shot by solving the equations of motion for a ball launched with a known speed, spin, and launch angle. Signifïcant differences carrying distance were found, and these differences were related to the measured lift and drag characteristics, as well as to the dimple diameter and depth. The ratio of the lift and drag coefficients is shown to be a predictor for carry distance.
