Aerodynamic Design Considerations for a Soccer Ball

Aerodynamics plays a very important role in all the sports in which a sports ball is thrown, kicked or struck. In all these sports the intent is to either throw the ball as far as possible, or to get an unpredictable swing of the ball to deceive the opponent. Soccer is one of the most played and watched sports today and the only equipment it uses is a soccer ball. Owing to increasing importance and popularity of soccer, a lot of research has been done recently for better understanding of aerodynamic parameters and flight path of soccer ball. Knowledge of effects of aerodynamics on soccer ball can be very significant for players who can incorporate that knowledge in their playing tactics. Similar research can also play a significant role for the ball manufacturers to design and manufacture soccer balls that can favor the aerodynamics of the ball in order to make the sport more exciting to play and watch. Research has also been done for better understanding of phenomenon like Magnus effect and knuckleball by various authors. Small variations in the design of ball like panel size and method of attachment of panels can change the aerodynamic properties of the soccer ball. Velocity, spin and surface are major contributors towards variation in flight path and aerodynamic parameters of the soccer ball. Wind tunnel testing and flow visualization has been done by researchers to study the aerodynamics of soccer ball. In this work the efforts by various researchers in finding the aerodynamic parameters of a soccer ball have been consolidated and analyzed. Methods and equipment used by researchers for finding aerodynamic parameters are also discussed with a comparison in their approaches. Studies done on rotating and non-rotating balls are thoroughly investigated. Limitations faced by researchers are highlighted and recommendations for future researchers have been put forth for design considerations.