Prof V. Radhakrishnan (Distinguished Professor-Emeritus, Raman Research Institute (Bangalore, India))

Nautics and Aeronautics - Prof V. Radhakrishnan Colloquium

ATNF Marsfield Lecture Theatre

Abstract

THERE IS AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PHYSICS OF SAILING CRAFT
AND THAT OF AIRPLANES, A FACT APPRECIATED POORLY OR NOT AT ALL BY MOST
PRACTITIONERS OF EITHER FORM OF LOCOMOTION. THIS NEAR-TOTAL LACK OF
UNDERSTANDING, COMBINED WITH VESTED INTERESTS, HAS HELD BACK THE
DEVELOPMENT OF INTELLIGENT AND HI-TECH (AS OPPOSED TO DUMB BUT
EXPENSIVE) SAILING MACHINES, DESPITE THE ENORMOUS INCREASE IN THEIR
NUMBERS OVER THE LAST CENTURY.

AN ONGOING ATTEMPT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION WILL ALSO BE DESCRIBED.