Golf Clubhead Optimization Based on Contribution of Eigenmodes

Abstract

This study is aimed to optimize a golf clubhead for the purposes of maximizing the driving distance. Since the sensitivity-based approaches cannot be applied in impact problem, the authors developed an optimization system by using basis vector method. The relation between the eigenfrequencies and the coefficient of restitution is examined with finite element method (FEM) models numerically at first. Based on evaluating the contribution of eigenmodes, the authors proposed an approach to create the basis vectors using the sensitivity functions of eigenvalues. Computational results are presented for demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed approach.