Erik Hofman said: > Jon Berndt wrote: > > > One more thing: think of a baseball or better yet a lightweight ball. How do those things > > curve? > > I wouldn't know. I haven't thought about that one yet. My first > impression would be that of the cohesive and adhesive forces again. >
Well "Jim's make it up as you go along Physics manual" says that there is greater pressure against the air molecules in front of the moving ball. Thus there is greater friction against those molecules than the air molecules to the side or behind. If the ball has a sidespin, then the slightly better traction (friction) on the front side will cause the ball to move in the direction opposite that of the forward surface of the spinning ball (as a result of something Newton said). Adding this "sideways" movement to the ball's trajectory produces a curve. The ball's momentum (speed), air density, size of the ball (amount trailing air turbulance), alignment of the planets, proximity to Fenway park, political persuasion, and the rate of spin will affect outcome. For a demonstration (or proof that I am wrong) see: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/foil2b.html Disclaimer: Use this information at your own risk. I will not be responsible for any broken noses, windows, or egos that result from the application of this theory. Best, Jim _______________________________________________ Flightgear-devel mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.flightgear.org/mailman/listinfo/flightgear-devel 2f585eeea02e2c79d7b1d8c4963bae2d
