Optimization and Aerodynamic Design of a Soccer Ball Using Numerical Analysis

Aerodynamics plays a very important role in all the sports in which a sports ball is thrown, kicked or struck. In all these sports the intent is to either throw the ball as far as possible, or to get an unpredictable swing of the ball to deceive the opponent. Soccer is one of the most played and watched sports today and the only equipment it uses is a soccer ball. Owing to increasing importance and popularity of soccer, a lot of research has been done recently for better understanding of aerodynamic parameters and flight path of soccer ball. Knowledge of effects of aerodynamics on soccer ball can be very significant for players who can incorporate that knowledge in their playing tactics. Similar research can also play a significant role for the ball manufacturers to design and manufacture soccer balls that can favor the aerodynamics of the ball in order to make the sport more exciting to play and watch. Small variations in the design of ball like panel size and method of attachment of panels can change the aerodynamic properties of the soccer ball. Velocity, spin and surface are major contributors towards variation in flight path and aerodynamic parameters of the soccer ball. In this work 3D Computer Aided Design models have been developed and their aerodynamic parameters have been calculated through Computational Fluid Dynamics. Effects of surface geometry have been analyzed numerically for smooth sphere and a soccer ball. Validation of results have been done for comparison of results obtained through commercially available solver and wind tunnel tests ofvarious authors. The difference in results obtained through numerical and experimental means have been analyzed and discussed. These results have also been compared with results obtained by various researchers using different numerical and experimental techniques. Recommendations have been made for all significant aerodynamic design considerations of a better soccer ball.