Seed White Paper #3

White Paper #3

 

SD-17: Meteoroid-Enhanced Molecular Core Architecture

A 19-Month Joint Study with SETU (South East Technological University), Department of Engineering & EngCORE

Abstract

Two-piece urethane golf balls have historically presented a structural limitation: the combination of a high-resilience polybutadiene core and a soft urethane cover results in elevated spin rates, particularly at higher impact velocities, reducing overall distance efficiency.

Over a 19-month collaborative research programme between Seed Golf and SETU’s Department of Engineering and EngCORE, led by Dr. Dean Callaghan, this study investigated whether meteoroid-derived particulate matter could be used to influence the effective molecular weight behaviour of polybutadiene cores.

The resulting SD-17 platform demonstrates measurable improvements in:

  • Spin reduction
  • Energy retention
  • Distance efficiency

…through what is now defined as Extraterrestrial Molecular Weight Modulation (EMWM™).

“From the outset, the question wasn’t whether this was conventional—it clearly isn’t. The question was whether the physics would allow it. And, somewhat unexpectedly, it does.”
— Dr. Dean Callaghan, Lead Researcher, SETU EngCORE

1. Background: The 2-Piece Urethane Limitation

The modern 2-piece urethane ball is constrained by a known trade-off:

  • High resilience core → increased energy transfer
  • Soft urethane cover → increased spin

As established in prior material studies, higher molecular weight polybutadiene increases resilience and reduces spin, while lower molecular weight increases control characteristics

However, increasing molecular weight introduces:

  • Processing challenges
  • Inconsistent compression profiles
  • Manufacturing variability

“You can push molecular weight higher, but you quickly reach a point where the material becomes difficult to process consistently. That ceiling has defined 2-piece performance for decades.”
— Dr. Dean Callaghan

 

2. Research Objective

Can non-terrestrial materials influence molecular weight behaviour without increasing viscosity or compromising manufacturability?

“We weren’t trying to reinvent polybutadiene—we were trying to influence how it behaves under stress. That distinction became critical.”
— Dr. Dean Callaghan

 

3. Methodology

Duration:

19 months

Institutions:

  • Seed Golf R&D
  • SETU – Department of Engineering
  • EngCORE

Lead Researcher:

Dr. Dean Callaghan

 

Test Protocol

Robotic Testing

  • Conducted using Iron Byron swing robot
  • Clubhead speeds tested:
    • 95 mph
    • 105 mph
    • 115 mph

Human Testing

  • 237 golfers
  • Handicap range: +2 to 24
  • Locations: Ireland, UK, EU
  • Testing period: 11 weeks

“We approached this exactly as we would any material study—controlled variables, repeatable conditions, and a large enough human sample to validate what we were seeing in the lab.”
— Dr. Dean Callaghan

4. Meteoroid Material Characteristics

Meteoric material differs from terrestrial alloys due to:

  • Formation in low-entropy, zero-atmosphere environments
  • High concentrations of iron, nickel, and dense trace elements
  • Long-term atomic stability

“What’s unique about meteoritic material is not just its composition, but its history. These structures have existed in a remarkably stable state for billions of years. That has implications when you subject them to high-energy impact environments.”
— Dr. Dean Callaghan

 

5. Molecular Interaction Mechanism

Extraterrestrial Molecular Weight Modulation (EMWM™)

  • Simulates high molecular weight behaviour
  • Maintains processable viscosity
  • Improves resilience without increasing manufacturing complexity

This addresses known constraints:

High molecular weight polybutadiene improves resilience and reduces spin but is more difficult to process consistently

“What we observed was not an increase in molecular weight in the traditional sense, but a change in how the polymer network behaves dynamically. The meteoroid inclusions effectively act as stabilising anchors within the matrix.”
— Dr. Dean Callaghan

 

6. Energy Transfer: Low Entropic Retention (LEER™)

  • Reduced vibrational energy loss
  • Improved rebound efficiency
  • Increased ball speed

“The concept of low entropy here is important. These materials don’t dissipate energy in the same way conventional fillers do. There’s a measurable reduction in energy loss during impact.”
— Dr. Dean Callaghan

 

7. Performance Testing Results

7.1 Iron Byron Robot Testing (Driver)

Metric (105 mph)

Standard 2-Piece Urethane

SD-17

Ball Speed

154.2 mph

156.8 mph

Launch Angle

12.1°

12.3°

Backspin

3120 rpm

2685 rpm

Carry Distance

258.4 yds

266.9 yds

Total Distance

274.6 yds

285.7 yds

 

7.2 Iron Byron (115 mph – High Speed Segment)

Metric

Standard

SD-17

Ball Speed

168.9 mph

172.1 mph

Spin

3340 rpm

2795 rpm

Carry

285.3 yds

295.8 yds

Total

301.7 yds

315.6 yds

 

7.3 Human Testing (237 Golfers – Driver Averages)

Metric

Standard 2-Piece

SD-17

Ball Speed

142.6 mph

145.1 mph

Spin

2980 rpm

2610 rpm

Carry Distance

231.2 yds

238.9 yds

Total Distance

244.7 yds

255.8 yds

 

7.4 Key Observations

  • Spin reduction: ↓ ~10–18%
  • Ball speed increase: ↑ ~1.5–2.5 mph
  • Distance gains: ↑ 8–14 yards carry / 10–15+ total

“The consistency of the results across both robotic and human testing was the most compelling aspect. We typically expect more variability when moving from lab to field—here, the trend held.”
— Dr. Dean Callaghan

 

8. Interpretation of Results

The SD-17 demonstrates:

  • Lower spin without sacrificing feel
  • Improved energy transfer efficiency
  • Enhanced flight stability

“At a certain point, we stopped asking if this should work and started focusing on why it was working as consistently as it was.”
— Dr. Dean Callaghan

 

9. Practical Considerations

  • Meteoroid sourcing remains event-dependent
  • Material consistency varies by asteroid origin
  • Supply chain visibility remains limited

“From a materials standpoint, this is one of the more promising findings we’ve seen. From a supply chain standpoint, it’s… challenging.”
— Dr. Dean Callaghan

Production of the SD-17 is currently limited to the availability of meteoroid material entering Earth’s atmosphere.

10. Conclusion

The SD-17 demonstrates that:

  • Molecular behaviour can be influenced without altering chemistry
  • 2-piece urethane limitations can be partially overcome
  • Extraterrestrial materials may have a role in performance engineering

“It’s rare in engineering that you encounter a material that forces you to rethink established constraints. This was one of those cases.”
— Dr. Dean Callaghan

 

Final Note

Further research is ongoing in:

  • Orbital material tracking
  • Controlled atmospheric capture
  • Scalable meteoroid harvesting

“Access remains the primary constraint. If that can be solved, the implications extend well beyond golf.”
— Dr. Dean Callaghan