Golf Ball Dimples : The Dimple Effect.
Author: Lavente Tan
Category: Sports
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Golf ball dimples are there for a reason. No, they are not for decorative purposes and neither is it there for history sake. In the past, golf ball does not have dimples and they were found to fly less further than dimpled golf balls. Hence, dimples have been a must for golf ball design.
We have all read that dimples are there to reduce drag and for aerodynamic design. We also know that there are certain numbers that come with it and different manufacturers design golf balls with different dimple numbers. I will not answer to the question which number works best because it is the same as asking which engine is best for a car. It really depends on designer's target audience and objective.
Let us take a look at the dimple effect on the golf ball. When a golf ball is being hit by the golf club, the angle at which it is being hit upon will cause a slight back spin and a forward motion in the direction of the hit.
As a result, the golf ball dimples serve as pockets to "scoop" the air towards the back of the golf ball. In simple terms, it facilitate air flow towards the bottom of the golf ball and provides less drag. With such rapid spin rates and turns, the air pressure is build up below the golf ball.
The dimples also create turbulence in the boundary layer that will reduce drag and create lift. Sounds weird? Many people have asked me why does turbulence create less drag? It should be the other way round right? Well, right and wrong.
In aerodynamics, there are 2 types of flow around it. One is laminar and the other is turbulent. Laminar flow has less drag initially but it tends to separate out and turns into turbulent eddies that increases drag with time. Turbulent flow has more drag but less prone to separation. Hence, golf ball dimples are designed to increase initial turbulence and create less overall drag.
From the Magnus effect, an upward force will result from the resulting pressure difference created. And yes, this means a upward lift in the golf ball. This is what we normally call the level of flight trajectory.
So what this means to you? Yes, the optimum lift will increase the hang time of the golf ball and results in greater carry. Sounds good? Definitely because this means greater distance to your tee drive.
The height of the trajectory is determined by the design of the dimples, the depth of it and also the dimple patterns. All these are designed with the particular type of golf flight in mind.
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Keywords: golf ball dimples, golf ball dimple, dimple effect, golf balls, golf ball
View Count: 133
Date Submitted: 11/25/2008
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