My Outside the Research Lab book series, which began in 2017, is part of IOP Concise Physics published by IOP Publishing in conjunction with Morgan & Claypool Publishers.
Outside the Research Lab Volume 2
Physics in Vintage and Modern Transport
Outside the Research Lab Volume 2: Physics in Vintage and Modern Transport was published in September 2018. To purchase this book in hardcover, paperback or as an e-book please click here. Institutional access is available here. Each of these pages features a free-to-read sample chapter.
Morgan and Claypool's Description:
The Outside the Research Lab series is a testament to the fact that the physics taught to high school and university students IS used in the real world. This book explores the physics and technology inherent to preserving and restoring old forms of transport, as well as creating modern transport for today and for our future needs. Outside the Research Lab, Volume 2 is a path to discovering how transport professionals and enthusiasts use physics to help them in their work. It covers several different aspects of transport, ranging from the restoration of vintage buses to the materials used in the latest supercars. Stunning images throughout the book and clear, understandable writing are supplemented by offset detail boxes which take the physics concepts to higher levels.
Outside the Research Lab, Volume 2 is both for the general interest reader and students in STEM. Lecturers in university physics, materials science, engineering and other sciences will find this an excellent basis for teaching undergraduate students the range of applications for the physics they are learning. There is a vast range of different areas that require expertise in physics…this second volume of Outside the Research Lab shows a few with great detail provided by professionals doing the work.
Outside the Research Lab Volume 1
Physics in the Arts, Architecture, and Design
Outside the Research Lab Volume 1: Physics in the Arts, Architecture, and Design, was published in Spring 2017. To purchase the book in either paperback or as an e-book please click here. Institutional access is available here. Each of these pages features a free-to-read sample chapter.
Morgan and Claypool's Description:
This book is a te
stament to the fact that
the physics taught to high school and university students IS used in
the real world. It is a fascinating insight into the use of physics
and technology in the arts, architecture, and design. Outside the Research Lab is
a path to discovering how professionals
from different sectors – including sculpture, music, TV sound
recording, and shoe design – use
physics to help them in their work. Stunning images throughout the book
and clear, understandable writing
are supplemented by offset detail boxes which take the physics
concepts to higher levels.
Reviews:
"Outside The Research Lab is a delightfully written monograph on applications of physics in daily life....In this book, Sharon flexes her considerable technical muscles in describing how physics and knowledge of physics is used outside academia and in the creative world of arts and fashion. The book covers an eclectic mix of topics in 6 chapters that can be read independently of each other. The opening topic is on how physics is used to create and install sculptures. This is hardly a typical case one would expect on books of this type but it quickly becomes clear to the reader that the book has no intention of retracing old chestnuts like ‘physics of golf’ or ‘physics of football’ that frankly have now been overplayed. The chapter on use of physics in developing clothes and shoes presents some of the seldom heard of and innovative ways of applying physics in garment design exemplified by seam-free clothes or clothes infused with polymers and thermoplastics. ...An attractive feature of the book is that each chapter is developed in consultation with experts working in the various fields cited. For example, the role of physics to properly record sound whether in the studio or outside the studio is explained by... sound engineers and producers with considerable experience with speech-based radio or recording sound for TV. In the neighbouring chapter on the physics of music... we hear first-hand how a violin produces its sound from a physics professor who is also a violinist, the intricacies of drumming are explained by a professional drummer, and the workings of a guitar are picked up by a mechanical engineer. Sharon returns to the theme of materials science in her last chapter where she looks at use of physics in innovative architecture. The book is written in a clear, lucid and engaging style. Mindful that there are readers who might want to see explanations from first principles, the book has dedicated boxes where the basic physics is presented and discussed....In this book, Sharon... has managed to dispel the fearsome aura with which many associate physics."
Prof. Makaiko L Chithambo - Rhodes University
Paperback book cover images courtesy of Morgan & Claypool. Reproduced with permission.
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