Assumption of club head posture considering the motion of the head center of gravity caused by grip acceleration

Abstract

In our previous studies, club shaft movement during a golf swing was simulated via a finite element method (FEM) model with shaft flexibility. However, the influence of grip acceleration on the club head during the swing was not investigated with this model. Therefore, we made a simulation model in consideration of the torque taking account of the combination of grip acceleration and the position of the centroid of club head. Moreover, the influence of position of center of rotation of club during the golf swing was added to the simulation model. In order to investigate the influence of the torque generated by grip acceleration, shaft deflection during the golf swing and club head kinematics (HS, Path, BA, and FA) at ball impact were measured with a motion capture system (Vicon Blade). The sampling frequency was 500 Hz and markers were attached to the shaft. Examinees were one average golfer, and measurements were taken 10 times. Taking into account the torque and the influence of the position of rotation center, we compared the measured and simulated results. There was no significant influence of the torque and position of rotation center for HS and Path. However, it was found that BA, FA and shaft deflection were close to the measured values. As a result of this study, we improved the accuracy of simulating ability.