A boomerang is an example of gyroscopic precession. The throw of the boomerang gives it an angular velocity perpendicular to its path as shown. The cross-section of the boomerang is an airfoil which gives it more lift on the top, leading edge than on the bottom.

Students research and explore basic aerodynamic forces and explain their applications to boomerang flight. Students compare what they observe with a NASA eClipsTM video segment to learn more about how boomerangs react in a near zero gravity environment. To complete this lesson, students must have a basic understanding of vectors.

Apr 10, 2005 · The design of the boomerang involves several pieces of the dynamics of rigid bodies and some aerodynamics. We will proceed through the design in steps, as follows: 1. Given a law for the aerodynamic lift force of an airfoil, determine the forces and moments

Left-handed boomerangs, on the other hand, turn clockwise. An airfoil produces lift when the combined effects of its orientation (angle of attack) and its shape cause oncoming air to be deflected downward.

This video is a "hands on" demonstration of how airfoils work and the importance of angle of attack and airfoils in returning boomerang design. It demonstrates that an airfoil is not...

May 13, 2021 · The first is a thorough intro to the world of boomerangs, including looking at terms like airfoils, dihedral, asymmetrical lift, and the like; while the latter is a scholarly look at the history of boomerangs over the past couple centuries. http://www.boomerang.org.au/articles/article-boomerang-glossary.html

Oct 1, 2009 · Few experts agree on exactly why boomerangs fly the way they do, but a few basic principles apply: lift, spin and an effect called precession. LIFT Air passing over the curved top of a...

Two design components give the boomerang the capability of circular flight. One is the arrangement of the arms, and the other is the airfoil profile shape that allows the arms into wings. During flight, the boomerang spins rapidly (about 10 revolutions per second).

Jan 9, 2024 · The boomerang’s curved airfoil shape plays a crucial role in its flight. The curved top surface and flat bottom surface create a pressure differential, similar to an airplane wing.

Ted Bailey, a highly-ranked international boomerang designer and thrower, used information from a variety of NASA technical reports on aerodynamics and low-speed airfoils to design more competitive boomerangs.