Physics for Gearheads: An Introduction to Vehicle Dynamics, Energy, and Power - With Examples from Motorsports

Bought for my grandson but looks like he is thoroughly enjoying it

Physics for Gearheads, by Randy Beikmann, is a superbly presented 590page volume, crammed full of everything a car enthusiast might need if they wish to go beyond the performance figures in the sales brochure. Starting at first principles, the book provides theory and equations to analyse all aspects of the performance of road and racing cars, in a way that is easily accessed. I was puzzled initially about who this book is aimed at. Undoubtedly schools and colleges, where it will provide a useful stimulus to those studying physics. The car enthusiast? Yes, provided they are mathematically competent. The racing car engineer? Not sure. It is a handy reference for that momentarily forgotten equation, but so much is either now embedded in software or easily available on the Web that I am not sure how thumbed it would become. The author has used his teaching experience to lay out each subject matter in an extremely clear way, and provided illustrations to assist in understanding the text and equations. The book is eminently readable.

Purchased for younger sibling who's very interested in all things about cars, but as a university engineering student looking at the topics and how concepts are taught I'm jealous not to have had this earlier! Only set back is all units are imperial, but regardless the physics behind it are concrete and measurement units aren't as important.

Well worth buying for anyone interested in automotive technology. Well illustrated and explained examples of practical application.

While studying books on motorcycle dynamics I realized that there was quite a bit about mechanics that I was missing to fully understand them. In my search to fill that gap all I could find were college-level books that assume you know calculus, or some high school-level books that skimp in the mechanics but go into thermodynamics and electricity and all kinds of other stuff I didn’t need. This book is perfect! Other reviewers mention that this is high school-level mechanics, but that is exactly what I needed. I’m not trying to build a chassis; I just need the basics so I can understand the other books I am reading. This book explains mechanics (and kinematics) in a very step-by-step fashion that I really appreciate. Bonus: it explains things with road vehicle examples which is just awesome!

Élève ingénieur en mécanique, ce livre est un concentré de données très utiles. Je recommande.

El libro es justo lo que estaba buscando. Lo recomiendo mucho y más si les gusta los automoviles y el por qué son los calculos aplicados