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Swordplay: an exercise in rotational dynamics

Mark Denny

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The historical evolution of European swords can be understood by applying physical principles that must have been recognized empirically in antiquity. Here we show how rotational dynamics permits a quantitative evaluation of sword effectiveness and ease of use. Swords provide a historically important and familiar vehicle for teaching rotational dynamics concepts such as moment of inertia and centre of percussion.


PACS

01.80.+b Physics of sports

Subjects

Education and communication

Dates

Issue 4 (July 2006)

Received 31 January 2006, in final form 8 May 2006

Published 12 June 2006



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