Optimization of Inflated 32-panel Soccer Ball Membrane Models

This paper presents a study on the mechanical behaviour of thin membranes modelling the common 32-panel soccer balls. Most soccer balls are fabricated of synthetic flat panels subject to an internal pressure. Unlike most tensile structures such as tents, balls form closed surfaces, which are expected to comply strict conditions, most importantly regarding geometry. In this paper we perform a parametric study on a series of ball configurations, including a few commercially available ball types. The roundness and the stress distribution are numerically evaluated and compared in terms of the model parameters and the pressure.