Effect of temperature on golf ball dynamics

The effect of ball temperature on ball speed and carry distance in golf drives

“…Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the significant ball-speed differences between groups were caused by the temperature’s effect on the ball properties. A previous study showed that the mechanical dynamics of golf balls were influenced by the ball temperature; 5 the highest temperature group (36 °C) showed increased impact duration and maximal deformation as well as COR compared to the temperature group of 22 °C, whereas both these groups had greater values for all variables in relation to the lowest temperature group of −1 °C. However, the interrelationships between the three ball-temperature groups for the outcome variables remained unchanged regardless of the inbound velocity of the ball.…”

“…However, the interrelationships between the three ball-temperature groups for the outcome variables remained unchanged regardless of the inbound velocity of the ball. 5 Moreover, it was previously shown that for 25 °C-tempered golf balls with different cover hardness, the balls with the softest cover showed the highest maximal deformation and COR. 20 These two studies indicate that warmer balls and softer covers are related to higher ball speeds after impact with a rigid surface, because their higher CORs are associated with lower energy losses at impact compared to colder or harder balls.…”

“…5,6 The ball's loss of kinetic energy is described by its coefficient of restitution (COR), the quotient between the outbound and inbound velocities, where a COR of 1 corresponds to a perfectly elastic collision. However, the COR of golf balls ranges from approximately 0.65 to 0.90 at impact with a ridged surface, 4,5 whereas the collision is regarded as inelastic, in which some of the kinetic energy is dissipated. The modeling of the impact between club and ball showed that the energy loss is primarily dependent on the elasticity and viscosity of the ball.…”

“…4 Generally, the energy loss at impact increases with increasing impact speed. 5,6 The ball’s loss of kinetic energy is described by its coefficient of restitution (COR), the quotient between the outbound and inbound velocities, where a COR of 1 corresponds to a perfectly elastic collision. However, the COR of golf balls ranges from approximately 0.65 to 0.90 at impact with a ridged surface, 4,5 whereas the collision is regarded as inelastic, in which some of the kinetic energy is dissipated.…”

“…The results showed that the COR, impact duration, and maximum deformation increased with increasing ball temperature. 5 Therefore, it would be reasonable to assume that ball speed after club-head impact and carry distance could be affected by the ball temperature.…”