Physics of Straightening a Bow

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the physics involved in straightening a bow from its curved state to a straighter condition. Participants explore the mechanics of applying force to achieve this transformation, as well as the materials involved in bow construction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the specific mechanics of straightening a bow, questioning whether it pertains to its functioning or redesigning it.
  • One participant suggests that straightening a bow involves applying force to one end, which may lead to a straightening effect.
  • Another participant notes that the success of straightening a bow depends on the material used, such as wood, plastic, or horn, and mentions the need to heat the bow to soften it before attempting to straighten it.
  • A participant references articles and books that discuss the physics and engineering principles related to bows, indicating that these resources may provide further insights.
  • There is a suggestion that reducing the tension on the bowstring could also contribute to making the bow straighter.
  • One participant expresses a need for a model where pulling down on one end of the bow results in a straightening effect, indicating a specific application or project context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the question regarding the straightening of a bow, with some focusing on the mechanics and others on material properties. There is no consensus on a singular approach or understanding of the topic.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on material properties and the potential need for specific techniques, such as heating, to achieve the desired straightening effect. Unresolved assumptions about the mechanics and applications remain present.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying materials science, engineering, or physics, particularly in relation to the mechanics of deformation and structural integrity.

shwin
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Does anyone know where I can find information related to the physics of straightening a bow from its curved state to a more "straight" condition?
 
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I'm not sure what you mean - do you mean the actual fuctioning of a bow or redesigning it to a different shape?
 
Scientific American had a good article on bows back in 1994 ("the origin of weapons systems"); you can purxhase it from JSTOR:
http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0011-3204%28199412%2935%3A5%3C679%3ATOOWS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-C&size=LARGE&origin=JSTOR-enlargePage
 
I mean, in terms of applying a force to one end to straighten the bow out.

Thanks for the article also...I just wish I had a credit card :(
 
shwin said:
Does anyone know where I can find information related to the physics of straightening a bow from its curved state to a more "straight" condition?
Bows are normally made with a curvature in mind.

Straightening depends on the material, e.g. wood, plastic, horn, . . .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composite_bow

One would have to heat the bow to soften the material or make it more maleable, and then deform it to a straighter profile, and then cool it. The success will vary according to the material, or it may not work at all.

See also - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recurve_bow
 
Iknow bows are made in that respect, but this is related to a project I'm doing with a bow appearing to be a suitable model of reference.
 
What does one mean by "a bow appearing to be a suitable model of reference."?


Simply reducing the tension on the bow string will make bows straighter.
 
Oh, I was thinking of a model where pulling down on one end of the structure leads to a straightening out effect.
 
J E Gordon's excellent book "The New Science of Strong Materials: Or Why You Don't Fall Through the Floor" or the follow up " Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down" has a section on the physics and engineering of bows.

They are also the best popular books on materials and structure engineering I know of and really deserve to be more widely knonw.
 

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