A Comparison of Aerodynamic Drag of a Rugby Ball Using EFD and CFD

Abstract

Aerodynamic forces and moments of a rugby ball as a function of wind speeds and yaw angles were measured using wind tunnel experiment (experimental fluid dynamics-EFD) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The airflow around the rugby ball was visualized using wool tuft and smoke. The average drag coefficient for all speeds and yaw angles was computed and compared. There was minor Reynolds number sensitivity at zero yaw but this was more significant at yaw angles of around 90 degrees in experimental results. No Reynolds number dependency was found in CFD results.