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John Kimball - Physics of Sailing - 9781420073768 - V9781420073768
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Physics of Sailing

€ 74.16
FREE Delivery in Ireland
Description for Physics of Sailing Paperback. 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. Num Pages: 296 pages, 143 black & white illustrations, 1 black & white tables. BIC Classification: PDZ; WSSN3. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 235 x 153 x 16. Weight in Grams: 464.

Breaking down the complicated concepts of speed, acceleration, torque, fluid mechanics, and surface physics, Physics of Sailing provides a lively, easily accessible introduction to the basic science underlying the sport of sailing. It illustrates the many ways 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.

After a brief but insightful tour of the history of sailing, the book explores the physics involved in making faster sailing crafts for both upwind and downwind sailing, including Newton’s impact theory of fluid resistance and lift and drag phenomena. It compares possible sail shapes, presents measurements of hull smoothness, and describes wind turbulence, the nature of water waves, and the structure of wakes. Using the physics of optics, the author also explains the connection between water’s appearance and the wind. Along with a glossary of sailing terms, he includes many examples throughout to illustrate the concepts in practice.

Avoiding unnecessary formalisms, this book skillfully applies the principles of fluid mechanics to sailboat technology and the art of sailing. It should help you become a more knowledgeable sailor.

Product Details

Publisher
Taylor & Francis Inc United States
Number of pages
296
Format
Paperback
Publication date
2009
Condition
New
Number of Pages
296
Place of Publication
Bosa Roca, United States
ISBN
9781420073768
SKU
V9781420073768
Shipping Time
Usually ships in 4 to 8 working days
Ref
99-1

About John Kimball
John Kimball is a professor of physics at the University of Albany.

Reviews for Physics of Sailing
… 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

Goodreads reviews for Physics of Sailing


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