The quasi-static and dynamic testing of damping in golf clubs shafts fabricated from carbon fibre composites

Abstract

Composite materials have been selected as the material of choice for structural, mechanical and sporting applications for a number of years due to their high stiffness/weight ratio. However composites also exhibit a superior level of damping over most metals and ceramics. Their damping characteristics however are governed by strain, strain rate, geometry and temperature. This study presents the effects of the first three factors on the damping of composites over a range applicable for golf shafts, by testing 11 carbon fibre composite panels of varying orientations and geometry under cantilever frequency testing. It has been established that the levels of strain and strain rates observed in golf shafts will not cause any noticeable change in the damping characteristics and thus low strain/strain rate testing will be sufficient to characterise the dynamic performance of the shaft. However, geometry showed a noticeable change in damping, therefore in order to obtain an accurate level of damping the correct aspect ratio (length/width) must be used.