Optimal Design of Golf Club Using Multibody Dynamics

Abstract

The 3 dimensional simulation model of golf swing is developed based on the multibody dynamics, which is reasonable compared to the traditional 2 dimensional model. The model consists of 7 rigid body and 1 elastic body, and 8 joints. The experiments using high speed camera are carried out to determine the driving force of the swing. The numerical simulation is compared with the experiments, and good agreement is observed. Finally, the optimal design of club is carried out. The design variables are taken as the thickness of the plate of the shaft and mass of the club head, and initial speed of the ball after impact is maximized. With the optimally designed club, it was shown that there is possibility that the initial ball speed increases about 10 %.