Senior Theses
Publication Date
5-2018
Document Type
Thesis (Open Access)
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Department
Physics
Faculty Advisor(s)
Michael Crosser (Thesis Advisor)
Jennifer Heath & Joelle Murray (Committee Members)
Subject Categories
Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics | Engineering Physics | Fluid Dynamics | Mechanics of Materials | Physics
Abstract
There are many golf balls on the market today with varying dimple sizes, shapes, and distribution. These proprietary differences are all designed to reduce drag on the balls during flight, allowing golfers to hit the ball farther distances. There are limited published studies comparing how varying the dimples affects the reduction of drag. An experiment was developed in which golf balls were pulled through a water tank to measure the drag force acting on each ball. The water was chosen to allow for testing at slower velocities than the typical necessary speeds to cause turbulence for balls traveling in air. Golf balls with a range of dimple patterns are tested and compared to determine which pattern has the lowest associated drag coefficient.
Recommended Citation
Seeley, James M. and Crosser, Michael S., "The Drag Coefficient of Varying Dimple Patterns" (2018). Senior Theses. 36.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/physstud_theses/36
Included in
Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics Commons, Engineering Physics Commons, Fluid Dynamics Commons, Mechanics of Materials Commons
