Physics of Sailing

Zusatztext ? a potpourri of good physics picking on the many areas in which basic and not so basic physics apply. ? The chapter on fluid dynamics sets this book apart by its sceptical and pragmatic approach ? Kimball puts each idea in its place showing where its strengths and weaknesses are. In doing so he provides a rare overview which so many books fail to give. ? Chapters on wind generation and strategy conclude a fascinating read. ? it is an intriguing gathering together of many disparate ideas which will keep the sailing scientist quiet in his bunk for many evenings. Also! it should be a standard introduction to any fluid dynamics course.-R.S. Shorter! Contemporary Physics! 52! 2011? an excellent introduction to the forces that enable sailboats to perform ? . John Kimball has contributed a readable explanation of the physics behind sailing that will appeal to a wide range of technically oriented readers.-James Harper! University of New Hampshire! Durham! USAThe book is very well written and informative. -Guy Vandegrift! Wright State University! Dayton! Ohio! USAI like the book very much. It is well written and ? fills a nice gap between my very introductory book and an even more detailed! mathematical approach.-Bryon D. Anderson! Ph.D.! Kent State University! Ohio! USA Informationen zum Autor John Kimball is a professor of physics at the University of Albany. Klappentext Breaking down the complicated concepts of speed, acceleration, torque, fluid mechanics, and surface physics, this book provides an easily accessible introduction to the basic science underlying the sport of sailing. It illustrates how physics can be used to understand the principles of sailboat propulsion and how a scientific understanding of the boat, wind, and water can lead to more skillful sailing. The author discusses the difficulties of upwind sailing, compares the advantages of different sail and hull shapes and surfaces, and covers the dimensional analysis of turbulence and the structure of wakes. He also explores how the spectrum, reflection, and polarization of light lead sailors to "see" wind on the water. Zusammenfassung Breaking down the complicated concepts of speed, acceleration, torque, fluid mechanics, and surface physics, this book provides an introduction to the basic science underlying the sport of sailing. It also explores how the spectrum, reflection, and polarization of light lead sailors to 'see' wind on the water. Inhaltsverzeichnis Depart, Depart from Solid Earth. Downwind-The Easy Direction. Upwind-The Hard Direction. Tipping, Torques, and Trouble. See How the Mainsail Sets. Fluid Dynamics. Surfaces. Waves and Wakes. Wind. Strategy. Finally. Sailing Glossary. Index....

List of contents

Depart, Depart from Solid Earth. Downwind-The Easy Direction. Upwind-The Hard Direction. Tipping, Torques, and Trouble. See How the Mainsail Sets. Fluid Dynamics. Surfaces. Waves and Wakes. Wind. Strategy. Finally. Sailing Glossary. Index.

Report

... a potpourri of good physics picking on the many areas in which basic and not so basic physics apply. ... The chapter on fluid dynamics sets this book apart by its sceptical and pragmatic approach ... Kimball puts each idea in its place showing where its strengths and weaknesses are. In doing so he provides a rare overview which so many books fail to give. ... Chapters on wind generation and strategy conclude a fascinating read. ... it is an intriguing gathering together of many disparate ideas which will keep the sailing scientist quiet in his bunk for many evenings. Also, it should be a standard introduction to any fluid dynamics course.
-R.S. Shorter, Contemporary Physics, 52, 2011
... an excellent introduction to the forces that enable sailboats to perform ... . John Kimball has contributed a readable explanation of the physics behind sailing that will appeal to a wide range of technically oriented readers.
-James Harper, University of New Hampshire, Durham, USA
The book is very well written and informative.
-Guy Vandegrift, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA

I like the book very much. It is well written and ... fills a nice gap between my very introductory book and an even more detailed, mathematical approach.
-Bryon D. Anderson, Ph.D., Kent State University, Ohio, USA

Product details

• Authors: John Kimball, John (University of Albany Kimball, Kimball John
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 22.12.2009
• EAN: 9781420073768
• ISBN: 978-1-4200-7376-8
• No. of pages: 296
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Physics, astronomy > General, dictionaries; SCIENCE / Physics / General, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering: general, Plasma Physics