Reason-A Technical Journal (Formerly Reason-A Technical Magazine)

Akshoy Ranjan Paul ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, IN

Abstract

The article finds what principles of fluid dynamics influence the performance of sports balls. At some point in time, many of us have wondered what puts the curve in Randy Johnson's baseball, the drop in Sania Mirza's S-serve with tennis ball, the flight in Tiger Wood's drive with golf ball or Irfan Pathan's swing with cricket ball. The answers to these questions all share the common principles of fluid mechanics. The fluid mechanics of sports balls directly affect athletic performance. This is vital information for maintaining interest and competitive competency in athletic games.

Full Text

   

Akshoy Ranjan Paul ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, IN

Abstract

How many people know the importance of the month of December 2003 in world history? Hundred years ago, in a cold foggy winter in December, two determined and courageous men from America conquered sky for the first time in the history of mankind and opened the era of aviation. But their life story was not a fairly tale at all. This article describes how a pair of self-taught engineers working in a bicycle shop made the world a forever smaller place.

Full Text

   

Akshoy Ranjan Paul ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, IN

Abstract

The high-risk, high-payoff X-43 A flights are the first actual flight test of an aircraft powered by a Scramjet engine capable of cruising at hypersonic speeds (above Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound). The X-43 A is powered by a revolutionary air-breathing Supersonic-combustion ramjet or 'Scramjet' engine. This technology raises the possibility of New York to Tokyo flights within two hours. Today, Scramjet is not a concept, as it has become reality. Within a decade or two, hyperplanes and such sophisticated aircraft cruising at Mach 10 will become a part of our routine life. Even the dream of "space tourism" is likely to come true, thanks to hypersonic passenger airlines that are in the offing.

Full Text

   

Akshoy Ranjan Paul ¹

Affiliations
1 Mechanical Engineering, IN

Abstract

Avian flight has fascinated man from ancient times but is is only in recent years that the efforts of scientists from diverse fields have been able, to some extent, to understand and explain the dynamics of bird flight. Observations show an incredible diversity of flight techniques and manoeuvers. A general description of the main types of bird flight and some illustrations of wing shapes and the different motions of birds are given. A description of the structure and musculature of wings and feathers and elementary theories of flight and drag are also included. The article is nothing but a laborious collection of various information regarding the interesting topic of bird flight, which involve a deep knowledge of anatomy, biophysics, ornithology and aerodynamics. This complex subject is discussed here in a lucid manner so that even a reader unfamiliar with the subject can understand it easily.

Full Text