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9780525950530

The Physics of NASCAR How to Make Steel + Gas + Rubber = Speed

by
  • ISBN13:

    9780525950530

  • ISBN10:

    0525950532

  • Format: Hardcover
  • Copyright: 2008-02-14
  • Publisher: E P Dutton
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List Price: $25.95

Summary

Every NASCAR fan – at one time or another – asks the same question: Why isn’t my favorite driver winning?This is your chance to discover how much more there is to NASCAR than Go fast, turn left and don’t crash.” If you’ve ever wondered why racecars don’t have mufflers, how bump drafting” works, or what in the world Let’s go up a pound on the right rear and add half a round of wedge” means, The Physics of NASCARis for you. In this fast-paced investigation into the adrenaline-pumping world of NASCAR, a physicist with a passion uncovers what happens when the rubber hits the road and 800- horsepower vehicles compete at 190 miles per hour only inches from one another. Diandra Leslie-Pelecky reveals how and why drivers trust the engineering and science their teams literally build around them not only to get them across the finish line in first place, but also to keep them alive. Professor Leslie-Pelecky is a physicist in love with the sport’s beauty and power and is uniquely qualified to explain exactly how physics translates into winning races. Based on the author’s extensive access to race shops, pit crews, crew chiefs and mechanics, this book traces the life cycle of a race car from behind the scenes at top race shops to the track. The Physics of NASCARtakes readers right into the ultra competitive world of NASCAR, from the champion driver’s hot seat behind the detachable steering wheel to the New Zealander nicknamed Kiwi in charge of shocks for the No. 19 car. Diandra Leslie-Pelecky tells her story in terms anyone who drives a car--and maybe occasionally looks under the hood--can understand. How do drivers walk away from serious crashes? How can two cars travel faster together than either car can on its own? How do you dress for a 1800°F gasoline fire? In simple yet detailed, high-octane prose, this is the ultimate thrill ride for armchair speed demons, auto science buffs, and NASCAR fans at every level of interest. Readers, start your engines.

Author Biography

Diandra Leslie-Pelecky is Professor of Physics at The University of Texas at Dallas, where she researches biomedical nanomaterials. Dr. Leslie-Pelecky has published widely on her academic research and improving science education at all levels. This is her first book.

Table of Contents

Forewordp. ix
Preface: The Physics of What ...?p. xi
Bones of Contentionp. 1
Skin Carep. 21
Makeupp. 35
Combustionp. 51
Power Playp. 71
The Wizard and the Flying Car Problemp. 91
Running with the Packp. 105
Texas Motor Speedway at 150 mphp. 119
Sound Thinkingp. 135
The Rubber Hits the Roadp. 145
Shock Therapyp. 161
The Two-Lap Dash: A Qualified Successp. 173
Keeping Drivers (and Fans) Alivep. 189
Making Racing SAFERp. 199
Practice Doesn't Always Make Perfectp. 213
Elliott is Hotp. 229
The Locusts in the Pit Boxp. 241
The Checkered Flagp. 259
Notesp. 267
Acknowledgmentsp. 275
Indexp. 277
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

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