Bicycling Science.BICYCLING SCIENCE DAVID GORDON WILSON David Gordon Wilson is emeritus professor of engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Born in Warwickshire, England, Wilson moved to the U.S. in 1953. Remarkably, this is the third edition of this comprehensive look at the history of bicycles and the science behind them. It's intended for bicycle enthusiasts as well as people interested in the physics of human-powered machines. It begins with an overview of early bicycles and the nature of how people use their bodies to power such machines. A scientific overview of pedaling and the various types of resistance that must be overcome, or at least matched, in order for a rider to maintain force and speed follows. Then, every engineering aspect of the machine itself is dissected dis·sect·ed adj. 1. Botany Divided into many deep, narrow segments: dissected leaves. 2. Geology Cut by irregular valleys and hills. Adj. 1. , from how bicycles steer and brake to the role of aerodynamics aerodynamics, study of gases in motion. As the principal application of aerodynamics is the design of aircraft, air is the gas with which the science is most concerned. and what materials make the best bikes. Within these chapters, readers learn about road surfaces and how they translate into friction in wheels and bearings. A final section surveys other types of human-powered machines, including boats and gliders Abbott-Baynes Sailplanes Ltd Abrial
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion