An Introduction to the Physics of Sports

by Vassilios McInnes Spathopoulos

How are Newton’s laws connected to football? What is the relationship between figure skating pirouettes and rotational motion? With the help of simple simulations it is easily appreciated that science defines the performance of athletes, whereas at the same time the reader is introduced to basic physics concepts in a novel and pleasant way.

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2013

About the author

Dr Vassilios McInnes Spathopoulos graduated from the University of Glasgow (UK), with a joint honours degree in Aerospace and Electronic Engineering, in 1995. The following year he completed a MSc course in Flight Dynamics at Cranfield University (UK). In 2001 he obtained his PhD from the University of Glasgow, conducting research on the validation of a rotorcraft mathematical model by means of flight testing a gyroplane. He teaches undergraduate subjects at the Department of Aircraft Technology, at the Technological Education Institute (TEI) of Chalkis, Greece. His research interests include the aerodynamics of sports balls and improving engineering education.

Reviews

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little book that enhances the appreciation of sports and also give a short review of basic physics concepts such as kinetics, angular momentum, work, power, fluid dynamics (the Magnus effect), the coefficient of restitution for bouncing balls. etc. Very easy to read and understand.