Golf Physics

Golf Physics

Message Posted By: Gary Wysin
Message Posted On: June 25, 19102 at 18:51:53

In Reply To: Golf Physics
Original Message Posted By: stefanie arams
Original Message Posted On: February 13, 19101 at 16:11:41:

Body of Message:
If you ignore the effect of the air, spin, and other
aerodynamic effects that really make the ball fly far,
then you can consider the equation for the distance
a projectile makes in a vacuum. If the loft angle
of the club is theta, and the clubhead speed is
v0, and g=8.8 meters/second^2 is the acceleration due to
gravity, the distance where the projectile lands
(over flat land) is

x = (v0*v0/g) sin(2*theta)

Put v0 in meters/second, the result will be in meters,
about the same as yards.

For example, with v0 = 100 mph = 147 ft/sec = 44.7 meters/sec,
you get

x = (204 meters) sin(2*theta)

A club with 45 degrees loft would go the max, 204 meters.

Obviously, though, the backspin on the ball makes it go much farther
than this equation suggests, especially for the low
numbered irons and woods, but it is a start.

: : I was wondering if you had an equation that had
: : to do with clubhead speed, and the loft of the
: : club, to figure out how far the ball should
: : travel. I know that there are many other
: : variables, but a fairly simple equation would be
: : great. If you know of one it would help. Thanks
: : a lot!

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Comments:	: If you ignore the effect of the air, spin, and other : aerodynamic effects that really make the ball fly far, : then you can consider the equation for the distance : a projectile makes in a vacuum. If the loft angle : of the club is theta, and the clubhead speed is : v0, and g=8.8 meters/second^2 is the acceleration due to : gravity, the distance where the projectile lands : (over flat land) is : x = (v0v0/g) sin(2theta) : Put v0 in meters/second, the result will be in meters, : about the same as yards. : For example, with v0 = 100 mph = 147 ft/sec = 44.7 meters/sec, : you get : x = (204 meters) sin(2*theta) : A club with 45 degrees loft would go the max, 204 meters. : Obviously, though, the backspin on the ball makes it go much farther : than this equation suggests, especially for the low : numbered irons and woods, but it is a start. : : : : I was wondering if you had an equation that had : : : to do with clubhead speed, and the loft of the : : : club, to figure out how far the ball should : : : travel. I know that there are many other : : : variables, but a fairly simple equation would be : : : great. If you know of one it would help. Thanks : : : a lot!
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