Utilization of integrated CAD/CAE computational fluid dynamic tools in the golf driver design process

Abstract Many factors contribute to the ultimate performance of a golf driver, making evident the need for efficient, accurate, and integrated tools that enable the designer to evaluate various performance trade-offs. Among these design factors is the effect of aerodynamic drag, making it necessary to be able to determine aerodynamic effects while also evaluating other trade-offs, such as structural dynamic and mass properties. Presented is an overview of the design process incorporating an embedded CAD/CAE CFD solution, a discussion of the aerodynamic insights gained, and how these insights were ultimately incorporated into product designs. Two driver heads were designed utilizing FloEFD, an embedded CAD/CAE CFD solution from Mentor Graphics, as part of the design process to evaluate aerodynamic trade-offs. The first driver, the G20, was designed with a primary focus on the performance factors of forgiveness (MOI) and distance, while the i20 driver was designed with more emphasis on control and club head speed. The aerodynamic analysis during the design process showed that the primary design features effecting drag were the crown design and face size. The final designs resulted in a 25% reduction in drag when comparing the i20 driver head to the G20, while only reducing MOI by 8.5%.