The Influence of Panel Orientation on the Aerodynamics of Soccer Balls

Abstract

Typically, soccer balls are constructed with 32 pentagonal and hexagonal panels. More recently Teamgeist and Jabulani balls have 14 and 8 panels, respectively, with dramatically different panel shapes and designs from conventional balls. The latest model called Cafusa, made with 32 panels, has been adopted by many soccer leagues. However, there are few studies on the aerodynamic characteristics of these balls. This study examined the trajectory and aerodynamic characteristics of soccer balls constructed with different numbers and shapes of panels. Results of wind tunnel tests indicated that the aerodynamic forces varied significantly according to the number of panels. They were also substantially different by the panel orientation of the balls and their rotation. The results for points of impact showed that the ball trajectory changes dramatically according to panel orientation, suggesting that panel orientation has significant effects on the flight of the balls. Furthermore, the panel shapes, rather than the numbers, are considered to affect the flight trajectory because balls with the same number of panels varied depending on their panel shape and orientation.