The Magnus effect or Magnus force is the phenomenon whereby a spinning object flying in a fluid creates a whirlpool of fluid around itself, and experiences a force perpendicular to the line of motion. The overall behaviour is similar to that around an airfoil (see lift force) with a circulation which is generated by the mechanical rotation, rather than by aerofoil action. The Magnus effect is often considered a demonstration of Bernoulli's principle, but this is incorrect, as the viscosity of the air — assumed to be negligible in Bernoulli's principle — is central to understanding the magnitude of the force.
In many ball sports, the Magnus effect is responsible for the curved motion of a spinning ball. The effect also affects spinning missiles, and is used in rotor ships and Flettner aeroplanes.
Read more about Magnus Effect: Principle, History, Calculation of Magnus Force, In Sport, In External Ballistics, In Flying Machines, In Astronomy, 2010 FIFA World Cup Match Ball
Famous quotes containing the words magnus and/or effect:
“A pathological business, writing, don’t you think? Just look what a writer actually does: all that unnatural tense squatting and hunching, all those rituals: pathological!”
—Hans Magnus Enzensberger (b. 1929)
“The effect of having other interests beyond those domestic works well. The more one does and sees and feels, the more one is able to do, and the more genuine may be one’s appreciation of fundamental things like home, and love, and understanding companionship.”
—Amelia Earhart (1897–1937)