Physics of Sailing

1. Auflage 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4200-7376-8
Verlag: CRC Press

Buch, Englisch, 296 Seiten, Format (B × H): 153 mm x 239 mm, Gewicht: 420 g

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.

Zielgruppe

Professional

Autoren/Hrsg.

Kimball, John

Fachgebiete

• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Allgemeines Populärwissenschaftliche Werke
• Sozialwissenschaften Sport | Tourismus | Freizeit Sport Wassersport

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.

Über Autor(innen)

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