In this Book
- Their Arrows Will Darken the Sun: The Evolution and Science of Ballistics
- Book
- 2011
- Published by: Johns Hopkins University Press
summary
The science of ballistics has a long history and starts with one question: How does a projectile move through the air? Even before physicists worked that one out, military engineers had been tinkering with ballistic devices for centuries. The trebuchet of the Middle Ages has given way to rocket power, and the science of ballistics has evolved to match the technology. Mark Denny’s survey covers this dynamic subject from prehistory to the weapons of tomorrow.Taking the bang-whiz-thud approach, Denny first talks about internal ballistics—Bang!—from before gunpowder to the development of modern firearms. External ballistics—Whiz!—are next, with discussions about short- and long-range trajectories. Denny’s lesson ends with a Thud!—an explanation of terminal ballistics. Throughout, Denny conveys applicable physics principles in a way that will appeal to technology buffs and ballistics enthusiasts alike. His fun and factual explanations are free of complicated equations; notes cover the key aspects of ballistics physics for the more technically inclined. Denny has perfected this engaging balance of science and story. For study or hobby, Their Arrows Will Darken the Sun is an entertaining guide to the world of ballistics.
Table of Contents
Download Full Book
- Acknowledgments
- p. vi
- Introduction
- pp. 1-4
- Part I: Internal Ballistics
- Chapter 1. Before Gunpowder
- pp. 7-26
- Chapter 2. Gunpowder Weapons
- pp. 27-50
- Part II: External Ballistics
- Chapter 6. New Technology, New Ballistics
- pp. 125-148
- Part III: Terminal Ballistics
- Chapter 7. Stopping the Target
- pp. 151-170
- Final Thoughts
- pp. 171-172
- Technical Notes
- pp. 173-206
- Bibliography
- pp. 221-226
Additional Information
ISBN
9780801899812
Related ISBN(s)
9780801898563, 9780801898570
MARC Record
OCLC
798295752
Pages
248
Launched on MUSE
2012-01-01
Language
English
Open Access
No