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I have always supposed that a motorcycle jumper (ie Evil Knievel) has to
worry about the orientation of the motor cycle during the flight so that
the landing is made on both wheels when possible.
Not having observed much in the way of aerodynamic surfaces on these
motorcycles I am lead to believe that perhaps the rider uses
conservation of angular momentum in order to orient the cycle in
midair. For example, putting the brakes on during the flight should
bring the front wheel down.
In observing Maddison's new world record of about 320 feet in the air on
new year's eve, it was certainly clear that at one point in the flight
the front wheel does in fact suddenly move downward in what seems to be
a controlled manner.
Does anyone know if such jumpers are in fact using conservation of
angular momentum or some other method to keep the orientation safe for
landing?
Thanks for any insights. David Abineri
--
D. Abineri dabineri@fuse.net
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