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Despite the simple appeareance of the boomerang, the characteristic
returning flight is guided by a complex combination of physics
and aerodynamics. The returning boomerang is most commonly
two wings jointed at angle bewteen 80° and 120°, however,
some newer boomerangs have more than two wings. The combination of
spin and forward motion create an uneven lift over the wings. As the
air flow passes over one wing faster than the other lift is created.
When thrown correctly, boomerangs will return. The natural spin of
the boomerang twists at right angles, which results in the boomerang's
curving flight. Since the center
of lift is forward of the center
of gravity another tipping force is created, making the boomerang
lie down during its flight. The combination of these spinning forces
is called gyroscopic
precession.
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For more advanced information
on the physics of boomerangs, read a Phd's dissertation on the subject
on our site here.
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