A study of thickness optimization of golf club heads to maximize release velocity of balls

In the present study, the shape optimization of a golf club head is investigated. The problem of maximizing the release velocity of the ball after impact is treated under the constraint of a specified weight of club head. The thickness distribution of the clubface is chosen as the design variable for optimization. The basis vector method, which is an approximating method for optimization problems in which the sensitivity cannot be derived analytically, is employed. The basis vector represents a fundamental change of shape, and it is preferable to obtaining effective results that the basis vectors be mutually independent. A simple approach to create the basis vectors using eigenmodes is also presented. The theory of impedance matching is confirmed numerically by a two-dimensional example. A three-dimensional example is given to show that this approach is effective for optimal design of the golf club head. Copyright (C) 2004 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.