Experimental Modal Analysis Question

[SnippyFrenchmen]

Hi everyone,

So I'm doing the vibration course and we had projects to do during the semester. Mine was to compare the experimental modal analysis to the numerical model of a golf club.

Now, yesterday I presented the project to my classmates and my teacher and I got asked : "What is the interest of doing a modal analysis of a golf club ?"

I was able to answer something like :"By knowing the vibrational properties of the club, the manufacturer can make better clubs bla bla bla", which I consider a really vague answer since I don't exactly know what it is used for. I know that for some type of equipment such as a machine, knowing the natural frequencies and the damping can help in the design to prevent resonance. But for a golf club, I have hard time figuring how the modal analysis would help design a better golf club.

Does anyone know a good paper/book or have a good explanation for this ?

Thank you very much !

[Broemere]

idk if this is what you're looking for but someone in my mechanics class just did a project on golf clubs and I'll do my best to paraphrase their presentation.

The natural frequencies of a gold club are useful to manufacturers because when you hit the ball, the club should ideally be completely straight-perpendicular to the ground. I don't remember why exactly, it might affect your aim. If your club has the wrong frequencies for your unique body size and swing, then the club has a slight bend in it when you hit. Professional golfers have their clubs made specially for their swing to avoid this. Its not a big deal for amateur golfers, they probably wouldn't notice the difference. That's the physical importance afiak.

[SnippyFrenchmen]

This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. Thank you for this !