2C20.55 - Boomerang

The boomerangs are for show and tell only in the classroom.  To actually fly them requires a space at least three times larger than LR1.
Code Number:
2C20.55
Demo Title:
Boomerang
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Bernoulli's Principle
Area of Study:
Heat & Fluids
Equipment:
Plastic Boomerang
Procedure:

The boomerangs are for show and tell only in the classroom.  To actually fly them requires a space at least three times larger than LR1.

References:
  • Yasuo Ogawara, "A Spherical Boomerang", TPT, Vol. 47, # 8, p. 555, Nov. 2009.
  • Michael Hanson,  "The Flight of the Boomerang",  TPT, Vol. 28, # 3, p.  142, March 1990. 
  • Henk Vos,  "Straight Boomerang of Balsa Wood and Its Physics",  AJP, p. 524, Vol. 53, No. 6, June 1985. 
  • Allen L. King, "Project Boomerang", AJP, Vol. 43, # 8, Aug. 1975, p. 770.
  • George M. Hopkins, "Gases", Experimental Science, p. 112.
  • Carson I. A. Ritchie, "The Boomerang", Making Scientific Toys, p. 81.
  • Charles Vivian, "Make a Boomerang", Science Experiments & Amusements For Children, p. 42.
  • Martin Gardner, "Make a Boomerang", Entertaining Science Experiments with Everyday Objects, p. 93.
  • Janice VanCleave, "97, Boomerang", Teaching the Fun of Physics, p. 147.
  • "Boomerangs and How to Make Them", The Boy Mechanic Saves the World, p. 147, ISBN 978-1-58816-772-9.
  • "Boomerangs and How to Make Them", The Boy Mechanic, p. 244, ISBN 978-1-58816-509-1.
  • Jearl Walker, "2.9, Boomerangs", The Flying Circus of Physics Ed. 2, p. 86.
  • Ed Sobey, Woody Sobey, "Boomerang", The Way Toys Work, p. 24.
  • Cy Tymoney, "Sneaky Boomerang", Sneakiest Uses for Everyday Things, p. 30.
  • Cy Tymoney, "Sneaky Mini Boomerang", Sneakiest Uses for Everyday Things, p. 32.
  • Jearl Walker,  "Boomerangs! How to Make Them and Also How They Fly",  The Amateur Scientist,  March 1979.
  • Jearl Walker,  "More on Boomerangs, Including Their Connection With the Dimpled Golf Ball",  The Amateur Scientist,  April 1979.
  • Dan Drollette, "Spin Master", Popular Mechanics, August 2007, p. 84.
  • The Book of Unusual Knowledge, Publications International, Ltd., "Sorry, Mates, but Aussies Didn't Invent the Boomerang", Chapter 15, p. 466.

Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.