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About

Sungchan Hong is a leading researcher in the aerodynamics and biomechanics of soccer, whose work has fundamentally changed how we understand the flight of the modern ball. His research centers on the fluid mechanics of sports equipment, with a particular focus on how panel shape, surface material, and wear affect a soccer ball’s trajectory and impact forces. Hong’s most cited study (46 citations) investigates how the radical redesign of balls like the Jabulani and Cafusa—moving from the classic 32-panel to as few as 8 panels—alters flight characteristics, a critical concern for players and manufacturers. He is also renowned for pioneering the use of a high-pressure kick-robot to simulate the elusive “knuckling effect,” demonstrating how non-spinning balls create unpredictable, flutter-like paths. Beyond new equipment, Hong’s work on used soccer balls (2021) reveals that surface degradation significantly changes aerodynamic drag, a factor previously overlooked. His contributions have direct implications for game fairness, player safety, and ball design, making him a pivotal figure in sports engineering.