Their Arrows Will Darken the Sun: The Evolution and Science of Ballistics

by Mark Denny

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801898570
Publisher:	Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication date:	04/29/2011
Edition description:	20
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Mark Denny is a theoretical physicist who has worked in academia and industry. He is the author of numerous books, including Lights On! The Science of Power Generation, Making Sense of Weather and Climate: The Science behind the Forecasts, and Making the Most of the Anthropocene: Facing the Future.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction 1

I Bang! Internal Ballistics

1 Before Gunpowder 7

2 Gunpowder Weapons 27

3 The Development of Modern Firearms: New Technical Challenges 51

II Whizz: External Ballistics

4 Short-Range Trajectories: Elementary Aerodynamics 77

5 Long-Range Trajectories: Advanced Aerodynamics 102

6 New Technology, New Ballistics 125

III Thud! Terminal Ballistics

7 Stopping the Target 151

Final Thoughts 171

Technical Notes 173

Glossary 207

Bibliography 221

Index 227

Editorial Reviews

Denny is a physicist who has written several science-related books for general audiences . . . Much of the book is written in a chatty style, often in the first person.
—Choice

Perhaps the most useful book on ballistics for the layman ever.
—A. A. Nofi, StrategyPage

For a scientist, Denny's approach is delightfully down to earth.
—The Age

Denny's writing is anything but dry and boring. He adeptly explains complex subject matter and does so with relatively simple language and minimal use of symbolic notation.
—Bat Research News

From the Publisher

Denny's writing is anything but dry and boring. He adeptly explains complex subject matter and does so with relatively simple language and minimal use of symbolic notation.

Bat Research News

For a scientist, Denny's approach is delightfully down to earth.

The Age

"Denny is a physicist who has written several science-related books for general audiences... Much of the book is written in a chatty style, often in the first person."

Choice

Perhaps the most useful book on ballistics for the layman ever.

— A. A. Nofi

StrategyPage

The field of ballistics appeals to physics readers and military history buffs alike. Physicist Denny makes this introduction comprehensible to readers with some science knowledge. (LJ 6/15/11)

Library Journal

Perhaps the most useful book on ballistics for the layman ever.

StrategyPage - A. A. Nofi