1. Finite Elemental Analysis
for Impact Behavior of
Golf Ball Materials
Computational Materials Science – MTSE 4100
Austin Richards
ABAQUS CAE
Final Class Project

2. Summary
History of Golf
Objectives
Examples
Part
Property
Assembly
Step
Interaction
Load
Mesh
Visualization
References

3. History of Golf
A game like golf is recorded as taking place on 26th of February
1297, in the Netherlands, where the Dutch people played a
game involving a leather ball being struck by a stick.
The modern
game of golf is
considered to
be of Scottish
origin.

4. Objectives
Become familiar with the finite element method in
conjunction with the Abaqus computer-aided
engineering software.
Develop 3-Dimensional structures representing
golf ball and clubface.
Create interactive force between two structures
simulating impact of golf ball materials.
Analyze and Visualize FEA of Golf Ball Impact.

5. Examples
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3j-o3UXRSI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y57pw_iWlk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYmQZWcdFz0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXzgR7QPjqs

6. Part
Clubface Golf Ball

7. Property
Material Modulus Poisson’s Density Layer
Rubber 0.0392 0.45 1150 Inner Core
Ionomer 0.294 0.40 950 Outer Core
Titanium 118 0.34 4507 Clubface

8. Assembly
Set Instances (Independent) Position Constraint

9. Step
• Create Step in addition to
Initial (previously set) and
name Impact
• Select Dynamic, Implicit
which is to accurately
describe golf ball impact
conditions.
• Choose Field Output Data
that will be computed during
simulation process.

10. Interaction
Create Interaction Property
Choose Tangential Behavior: Frictionless
Create Interaction
Choose Surface-to-surface contact
– Select Master/Slave Surfaces
Create Constraint
Choose Tie constraint
– Select Master/Slave Surfaces
Master
Slave

11. Load
Apply Load – Body Force Fixed Displacement

12. Mesh
Important Note: Limit
node count to 1000

13. Job
Create Job – Name: Impact – Type: Full Analysis
Submit Job
Running…Completed!
The following prompts will appear if all goes well
The job input file "Impact.inp" has been submitted for analysis.
Job Impact: Analysis Input File Processor completed successfully.
Job Impact: Abaqus/Standard completed successfully.
Job Impact completed successfully.

14. Visualization

15. Visualization

16. Visualization
Resultant Cross-Section
Cited Comparison
Now take time to view different animations!!!

17. The End
Questions or Comments?

18. References
a)Maruoka, K., Sakagami, S., Yamada, K., Nakagawa, N. and Sekiguti, Y. (2001) Dynamic Impact Characteristics of
Golf Ball Materials. ed Froes, F. H. TMS (The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society) pp 145-159
b)Cochran, A. J. (1999) Science and Golf III. ed Farrally and Cochran (Leeds: Human Kinetics) pp 486-92
c)Ekstrom, E. A. (1996) The Engineering of Sport. ed Haake (Rotterdam: Balkema) pp 215-22
d)Mittendorf, A. and Reyes, M. G. (1997) http://www.Golfphysics.com
e)Penner, A. R. (2003) The physics of golf. Institute of Physics Publishing. 66 pp 131-171
f) Kai, M. (2008) Science and engineering technology behind Bridgestone Tour golf balls. Sports Technology. 1 pp 57-64
g)Podpirka, A. and Suo, P. Finite Element Analysis of a Golf Driver and Golf Ball.
h)Richards, A. (2013) Materials Design based upon Dynamic Impact Behavior of Golf Ball Materials. Materials Selection
and Performance Class Project. Instructor: Dr. Srivilliputhur
i) Peterson, W. and McPhee, J. (2010) Shape optimization of golf clubface using finite element impact models. Sports
Engineering Journal 12 pp 77-85
j) http://ridgewoodfrontporch.com/2009/03/07/ridgewood-country-club-named-most-scenic-golf-course-in-bergen-county/