3d simulation of a rolling ball

[scottla]

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Hi,

I'm looking for advice on how to simulate a golf ball rolling on a green. The green will have been scanned using a 3d scanner by an Engineering Surveyor. I'm trying to model putting a golf ball from any position on the green, looking for a path line to the hole, and where to aim.
For example, aim 3 ft to the left and 2 ft short (assuming there is a slope left-to-right and slightly downhill).

Any advice on the type of software and how to do it, would be appreciated.

 

[berkeman]

Welcome to the PF.

How much golf have you played? How can you incorporate what you know from your time on the courses into this type of simulation? How accurate do you want this to be, and what variables do you think you should consider to try to achieve that level of accuracy?

 

[scottla]

using a 3d scanner, the green can be mapped pretty accurately, within a few mm. I want the putt path to be fairly accurate within 5 or 10%. It's more of a guide than an exact. Things like wind speed probably can't be taken into consideration, but friction of the grass can be calculated, so the accuracy won't be fullproof. but hopefully pretty close

 

[berkeman]

Okay, so you've never actually played golf or putted greens. That's okay, but it will limit your thinking on this a bit. Maybe it's time to head to the local par-3 course for some research...

using a 3d scanner, the green can be mapped pretty accurately, within a few mm. I want the putt path to be fairly accurate within 5 or 10%. It's more of a guide than an exact. Things like wind speed probably can't be taken into consideration, but friction of the grass can be calculated, so the accuracy won't be fullproof. but hopefully pretty close

How are you going to calculate the "friction" of the grass on the greens?

 

[scottla]

Not sure yet. looking for recommendations

 

[scottla]

Okay, so you've never actually played golf or putted greens. That's okay, but it will limit your thinking on this a bit. Maybe it's time to head to the local par-3 course for some research...

How are you going to calculate the "friction" of the grass on the greens?

Sorry, yes I'm played golf for years. and wasted many putts in the process!