Sports: a soccer ball with improved aerodynamics

Photographs by John B. Carnett DISTANCE DIMPLES
Puma's dimples (inset) cut friction, improving aerodynamics.
Photographs by John B. Carnett

Conventional soccer balls have lousy aerodynamics. The round shape and smooth surface cause air to stick to the front of the ball and slow it down-or send it hooking or slicing. Puma's Cellerator Shudoh flies as much as 20
percent farther, thanks to hundreds of golf-ball-inspired symmetrical dimples on its surface. The dimples reduce
air friction, redirecting turbulent air around the back of
the ball. This results in less drag and straighter, smoother flights. Price: $100.


www.puma.com

Want to learn more about breakthroughs in electronics, medicine, nanotech, and more?
Subscribe to Popular Science today, for less than $1 per issue!

0 Comments


138 years of Popular Science at your fingertips.

Innovation Challenges



Popular Science+ For iPad

Each issue has been completely reimagined for your iPad. See our amazing new vision for magazines that goes far beyond the printed page



Download Our App

Stay up to date on the latest news of the future of science and technology from your iPhone or Android phone with full articles, images and offline viewing



Follow Us On Twitter

Featuring every article from the magazine and website, plus links from around the Web. Also see our PopSci DIY feed


February 2012: The Future of Fun

Science is reinventing play, from extreme sports to gamification to ridiculous roller coasters to the playgrounds of tomorrow, and this issue is chock full of fun. Also, on a less fun note: Did global warming destroy my hometown?


circ-top-header.gif
circ-cover.gif
bmxmag-ps