An aerodynamic analysis of recent FIFA world cup balls

Drag and lift coefficients of recent FIFA world cup balls are examined. We\nfit a novel functional form to drag coefficient curves and in the absence of\nempirical data provide estimates of lift coefficient behaviour via a\nconsideration of the physics of the boundary layer. Differences in both these\ncoefficients for recent balls, which result from surface texture modification,\ncan significantly alter trajectories. Numerical simulations are used to\nquantify the effect these changes have on the flight paths of various balls.\nAltitude and temperature variations at recent world cup events are also\ndiscussed. We conclude by quantifying the influence these variations have on\nthe three most recent world cup balls, the Brazuca, the Jabulani and the\nTeamgeist. While our paper presents findings of interest to the professional\nsports scientist, it remains accessible to students at the undergraduate level.\n