Changes of wake, fluid force and flight trajectory due to the differences on soccer ball panel shape

Abstract

In recent years, soccer ball panels are significantly different from conventional pentagonal hexagonal panels, and the shape and design of the ball surface have changed. The difference in panel shape has a great effect on the aerodynamic characteristics that affect the trajectory of the ball. In this study, the fluid force of 4 soccer balls with different panel patterns was measured by wind tunnel tests. No rotation and vertical rotation were measured, and the drag coefficient and lift coefficient were measured. Since the drag coefficients of the two are slightly different, it is considered that the rotation of the ball has an effect. In addition, the position of landing was measured using a soccer ball ejector. A simulation was performed using the measured values obtained by the fluid force measurement, and a comparison was made with the landing measurement by the catapult.