Diagonal

Aerodynamic drag

Engineering

Aerospace engineering

Materials science

Aerodynamics

Drag

Surface (topology)

Transverse plane

Physics

Mathematics

Optics

Isotropy

Geometry

Composite material

Dimple

Structural engineering

Mechanics

Applied Sciences

Surface patterns on objects are important in aerodynamics. We show how surface patterns on volleyballs modify their aerodynamic performances. Conventional volleyballs with six panels show different aerodynamic characteristics along transverse and diagonal directions. Interestingly, isotropic surface patterning with hexagons or dimples enables us to achieve isotropic aerodynamics. This result gives insight into surface-mediated flight controls of projectiles through resisting fluid media.

Surface Patterns for Drag Modification in Volleyballs