Product Description

More frisbees are sold each year than baseballs, basketballs and footballs combined. Yet these familiar flying objects have subtle and clever aerodynamic and gyrodynamic properties which are only recently being documented by wind tunnel and other studies. In common with other rotating bodies discussed in this readily accessible book, they are typically not treated in textbooks of aeronautics and the literature is scattered in a variety of places. This book develops the theme of disc-wings and spinning aerospace vehicles in parallel. Since many of the examples are recreational, anyone who enjoys these activities will likely find it profitable and enjoyable. In addition to spinning objects of various shapes, several exotic manned aircraft with disc planforms have been proposed and a prototypes built – these include a Nazi ‘secret weapon’ and the De Havilland Avrocar, also discussed in the book. Boomerangs represent another category of spinning aerodynamic body whose behavior can only be understood by coupling aerodynamics with gyrodynamics. The narrative, supported by equations and graphs, explains how the shape and throw of a boomerang relates to its trajectory. The natural world presents still other examples, namely the samaras or ‘seed-wings’ of many tree species, which autorotate during their descent, like a helicopter whose engine has failed. The flight performance of these spinning wings directly affects the dispersal and thus the evolutionary competitiveness of the trees concerned. Samara-type configurations are also considered for instrumentation and other payload dispersal applications. In short, the book discusses a range of familiar, connected, but largely undeveloped, topics in an accessible, but complete, manner.

From the reviews of the first edition:

"In his fascinating book Spinning Flight, Ralph Lorenz provides a rich feast of … examples of spinning bodies … . The book is well organized … . The discussion in the book … should be accessible to readers with some elementary understanding of aerodynamic principles. For the expert, the book is full of open problems … . Its scope is extensive … . In this respect, there may be something for everyone within its attractively designed cover … ." (H. K. Moffatt, Nature, Vol. 444, December, 2006)

"If you liked physics at school, then this book is for you. It concerns itself with flying objects that spin through the air, and even tells you how to impress your friends with the biomechanics of Frisbees. … there is plenty of information at all levels, and the book has a wealth of detail that only an aerospace engineer like Lorenz could have come up with." (Len Fisher, BBC Focus, February, 2007)

Customer Reviews (2)

Spinning Flight - the fascination of things that spin in the air and in space
Spinning Flight is for the reader who is curious about spinning and flying things. Some may wonder why do skipping stones veer to the right, why does a Frisbee veer to the left at the end of its flight, why do golf balls have dimples, how does a boomerang work. Others may be interested in spin stabilization of bullets, bombs, rockets. Still others will be fascinated by the role of spin in spaceflight, the landing of probes on distant bodies or by what spin can tell about the formation and life story of asteroids and comets. Lorenz uses a minimum of vector mechanics and equations to explain these phenomena and provides many illustrations based on cleverly instrumented flight experiments. Next time you skip a stone, you will think of it as a rewarding experiment not just an idle pleasure.

Favorable Review
(I am the author - I think the book is not half bad -but let me quote from a recent
review of the book by H. K. Moffatt {whom I do not know} in Nature magazine (Vol.444,
14 Dec 2006 p.820):
'In his fascinatingbook Spinning Flight, Ralph Lorenz providesa rich feast of examples
of such spinning bodies, some occurring naturally, some contrivedfor pleasure or for a
practical purpose, someexotic..........Lorenz covers these phenomena and their various
manifestations with great skill and economy of exposition, whetting the appetite for the
more detailed treatments that he cites in an extensive list of references, many quite recent...
The book is well organized....there may be somethingfor every one within its attractively
designedcover ... Read more

Product Description
Spencer Powers works as a reverse engineer at Area 51 at a base that the government claims doesn't exist.Hal is Spencer's best friend.Take a journey with them as they discover the mysterious dark secrets of the government, and the projects within an ultra secret organization.Discover a connection with Area 51, Stonehenge, and a colony of aliens. If you are a reader who desires unique stories with a great plot and a paradox edge to it, then this is the book for you!
A sixty-three year old secret, and more, is exposed and the reasons why we see UFOs is finally revealed in "The Revealing".
The Revealing Copyright (c) 2009 Michael R. Hawkins.All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Questions email: thxmilner@timemaxcinema.com ... Read more

Product Description
Ultimate Frisbee was hatched by Frisbee-playing college students in the 1960s, and has evolved into one of the most fast-paced, action-filled, and challenging sports played by youth around the world today. Incorporating the non-stop play of soccer and the skill and tactics of football, it’s a game that can be played on both fun and highly competitive levels with equal enjoyment – all thanks to the plastic disc manufactured by Wham-O!

The book in this kit takes enthusiasts through the basics and then to the more advanced, challenging techniques required of competitive Ultimate players.  From beginner to advanced, readers will be taught the skills and techniques, as well as the moves, that can be played at every level.

The book includes a great resource section on clubs, organizations and tournaments around the world.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great for Beginners AND Experts Alike!

My kids love this book. My older son is a great frisbee player, and my younger son is new to the game, but both of them have learned a lot from the tips, throwing techniques, and even historical information included in the book.

This Frisbee kit (which includes a GREAT frisbee AND even a DVD!!) makes a great gift for anyone who loves frisbee or who wants to learn the game! I recommend it to all -- it especially makes a great summertime gift! ... Read more