Overview

Why do you switch from walking to running at a specific speed? Why do tall trees rarely blow over in high winds? And why does a spore ejected into air at seventy miles per hour travel only a fraction of an inch? Comparative Biomechanics is the first and only textbook that takes a comprehensive look at the mechanical aspects of life--covering animals and plants, structure and movement, and solids and fluids. An ideal entry point into the ways living creatures interact with their immediate physical world, this revised and updated edition examines how the forms and activities of animals and plants reflect the materials available to nature, considers rules for fluid flow and structural design, and explores how organisms contend with environmental forces. Drawing on physics and mechanical engineering, Steven Vogel looks at how animals swim and fly, modes of terrestrial locomotion, organism responses to winds and water currents, circulatory and suspension-feeding systems, and the relationship between size and mechanical design.He also investigates links between the properties of biological materials--such as spider silk, jellyfish jelly, and muscle--and their structural and functional roles. Early chapters and appendices introduce relevant physical variables for quantification, and problem sets are provided at the end of each chapter. Comparative Biomechanics is useful for physical scientists and engineers seeking a guide to state-of-the-art biomechanics. For a wider audience, the textbook establishes the basic biological context for applied areas--including ergonomics, orthopedics, mechanical prosthetics, kinesiology, sports medicine, and biomimetics--and provides materials for exhibit designers at science museums. * Problem sets at the ends of chapters * Appendices cover basic background information * Updated and expanded documentation and materials * Revised figures and text * Increased coverage of friction, viscoelastic materials, surface tension, diverse modes of locomotion, and biomimetics

Full Product Details

Author:   Steven Vogel
Publisher:   Princeton University Press
Imprint:   Princeton University Press
Edition:   Second Edition
Dimensions:   Width: 20.30cm , Height: 4.30cm , Length: 25.40cm
Weight:   1.673kg
ISBN:  

9780691155661

ISBN 10:   0691155666
Pages:   640
Publication Date:   17 June 2013
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Temporarily unavailable  
The supplier advises that this item is temporarily unavailable. It will be ordered for you and placed on backorder. Once it does come back in stock, we will ship it out to you.
Language:   English

Table of Contents

Preface vii PART ONE Life's Physical Context 1 1 Preambulations 3 2 Setting the Stage 11 3 More Tools 29 PART TWO Fluids 51 4 Gases and Liquids: Fluids at Rest 53 5 Gases Meet Liquids: The Interface 71 6 Viscosity and the Patterns of Flow 87 7 The Forces of Flow 111 8 Fluid Events Near Surfaces 141 9 Where Flows Are Inside 163 10 More about Circulatory Systems 183 11 Flows in Small Worlds 207 12 About Lift 225 13 Thrust for Flying and Swimming 251 14 Motion at the Air-Water Interface 271 PART THREE Solids and Structures 285 15 A Matter of Materials 287 16 Biological Materials: Tuning Properties Properly 313 17 Biological Materials: Cracks and Composites 329 18 More about Complex Materials: Viscoelasticity 347 19 Simple Structures: Beams, Columns, Shells 363 20 Less Simple Structural Matters 389 21 Hydrostatic Structures, Hydraulic Devices 407 22 Structural Systems 425 23 Motility and Mobility 449 24 Using Muscle: Tuning and Transmissions 473 25 Getting Around on Land 491 PART FOUR The Contexts of Biomechanics 513 26 Loose Ends and Perspectives 515 APPENDICES 1 Quantification: Rules of the Road 537 2 Motion and Direction 547 3 Size and Scaling 553 List of Symbols 565 References and Index of Citations 567 Subject Index 601

Reviews

[T]his is a fantastic book! ... [T]here can be no doubt, this is a science book of the highest and finest quality. Students in biology and physics, including (mechanical) engineers, will find in this book a sound guideline for an alternative view of their respective disciplines. It is a source of inspiration, also for the interested layman, for further reflection on the realm of physics in the biological world. --Harold Heatwole, Integrative and Comparative Biology Praise for the previous edition: A delightful and comprehensive textbook that is perfect for undergraduates and those of us who need a refresher... Throughout the book, Vogel introduces the formulae and principles that matter in a clear manner, and illustrates them with a dizzying array of biological and physical examples... [T]his book is tremendous fun to read. Vogel writes with an effervescent sense of delight in his subject. The text is laced with wit and humor, and sprinkled with eclectic examples of nature's many marvels. None of the fun, however, diminishes the clarity. --Daniel E. Lieberman, Nature Praise for the previous edition: I tried skim-reading Steven Vogel's Comparative Biomechanics ... But was compromised: the volume has so many little gems scattered throughout that my eye got caught by the glitter and couldn't escape. In earlier books, Vogel introduced biomechanics piecemeal. Now he has written an integrated textbook on the subject. --Julian F. V. Vincent, Science Praise for the previous edition: Science books are generally read for three reasons: it is assigned, it provides an introduction to an unfamiliar field, or because it is a truly enjoyable read. Great science books meet all three... With Comparative Biomechanics, Vogel has now produced a book that meets all three criteria of a great science book. --Scott Turner, Quarterly Review of Biology Praise for the previous edition: Personal anecdotes connect the material to the happenings of everyday life, creating a book that will be well received and remembered by students. Nearly every example is accessible to common experience and easy to comprehend... Excellent, clean line diagrams illustrate nearly every important concept. Each chapter begins with an eclectic and often amusing quotation drawn or paraphrased from the experiences of the author. This typifies the familiar style brought forward in this important and timely work, which will surely become the book of choice for courses in comparative biomechanics. --Choice Praise for the previous edition: [Vogel] is that rare animal, a biologist who is at once fluent in mathematics, conversant with physics and physical chemistry, and an accomplished practical engineer. More than that, the quality of Vogel's writing allows him to convey complex ideas clearly and make them so accessible that his books are hard to put down. --H.C. Bennet-Clark, Bioscience

Praise for the previous edition: A delightful and comprehensive textbook that is perfect for undergraduates and those of us who need a refresher... Praise for the previous edition: Throughout the book, Vogel introduces the formulae and principles that matter in a clear manner, and illustrates them with a dizzying array of biological and physical examples... [T]his book is tremendous fun to read. Vogel writes with an effervescent sense of delight in his subject. The text is laced with wit and humor, and sprinkled with eclectic examples of nature's many marvels. None of the fun, however, diminishes the clarity. -- Daniel E. Lieberman Nature Praise for the previous edition: I tried skim-reading Steven Vogel's Comparative Biomechanics ... but was compromised: the volume has so many little gems scattered throughout that my eye got caught by the glitter and couldn't escape. In earlier books, Vogel introduced biomechanics piecemeal. Now he has written an integrated textbook on the subject. -- Julian F. V. Vincent Science Praise for the previous edition: Science books are generally read for three reasons: it is assigned, it provides an introduction to an unfamiliar field, or because it is a truly enjoyable read. Great science books meet all three... With Comparative Biomechanics, Vogel has now produced a book that meets all three criteria of a great science book. -- Scott Turner Quarterly Review of Biology Praise for the previous edition: Personal anecdotes connect the material to the happenings of everyday life, creating a book that will be well received and remembered by students. Nearly every example is accessible to common experience and easy to comprehend... Excellent, clean line diagrams illustrate nearly every important concept. Each chapter begins with an eclectic and often amusing quotation drawn or paraphrased from the experiences of the author. This typifies the familiar style brought forward in this important and timely work, which will surely become the book of choice for courses in comparative biomechanics. Choice Praise for the previous edition: [Vogel] is that rare animal, a biologist who is at once fluent in mathematics, conversant with physics and physical chemistry, and an accomplished practical engineer. More than that, the quality of Vogel's writing allows him to convey complex ideas clearly and make them so accessible that his books are hard to put down. -- H.C. Bennet-Clark Bioscience

"Praise for the previous edition:""A delightful and comprehensive textbook that is perfect for undergraduates and those of us who need a refresher... Throughout the book, Vogel introduces the formulae and principles that matter in a clear manner, and illustrates them with a dizzying array of biological and physical examples... T his book is tremendous fun to read. Vogel writes with an effervescent sense of delight in his subject. The text is laced with wit and humor, and sprinkled with eclectic examples of nature's many marvels. None of the fun, however, diminishes the clarity.""--Daniel E. Lieberman, Nature Praise for the previous edition:""I tried skim-reading Steven Vogel's Comparative Biomechanics ... But was compromised: the volume has so many little gems scattered throughout that my eye got caught by the glitter and couldn't escape. In earlier books, Vogel introduced biomechanics piecemeal. Now he has written an integrated textbook on the subject.""--Julian F. V. Vincent, Science Praise for the previous edition:""Science books are generally read for three reasons: it is assigned, it provides an introduction to an unfamiliar field, or because it is a truly enjoyable read. Great science books meet all three... With Comparative Biomechanics, Vogel has now produced a book that meets all three criteria of a great science book.""--Scott Turner, Quarterly Review of Biology Praise for the previous edition:""Personal anecdotes connect the material to the happenings of everyday life, creating a book that will be well received and remembered by students. Nearly every example is accessible to common experience and easy to comprehend... Excellent, clean line diagrams illustrate nearly every important concept. Each chapter begins with an eclectic and often amusing quotation drawn or paraphrased from the experiences of the author. This typifies the familiar style brought forward in this important and timely work, which will surely become the book of choice for courses in comparative biomechanics.""--Choice Praise for the previous edition:""[Vogel] is that rare animal, a biologist who is at once fluent in mathematics, conversant with physics and physical chemistry, and an accomplished practical engineer. More than that, the quality of Vogel's writing allows him to convey complex ideas clearly and make them so accessible that his books are hard to put down.""--H.C. Bennet-Clark, Bioscience"

Praise for the previous edition: A delightful and comprehensive textbook that is perfect for undergraduates and those of us who need a refresher... Throughout the book, Vogel introduces the formulae and principles that matter in a clear manner, and illustrates them with a dizzying array of biological and physical examples... [T]his book is tremendous fun to read. Vogel writes with an effervescent sense of delight in his subject. The text is laced with wit and humor, and sprinkled with eclectic examples of nature's many marvels. None of the fun, however, diminishes the clarity. -- Daniel E. Lieberman Nature Praise for the previous edition: I tried skim-reading Steven Vogel's Comparative Biomechanics ... But was compromised: the volume has so many little gems scattered throughout that my eye got caught by the glitter and couldn't escape. In earlier books, Vogel introduced biomechanics piecemeal. Now he has written an integrated textbook on the subject. -- Julian F. V. Vincent Science Praise for the previous edition: Science books are generally read for three reasons: it is assigned, it provides an introduction to an unfamiliar field, or because it is a truly enjoyable read. Great science books meet all three... With Comparative Biomechanics, Vogel has now produced a book that meets all three criteria of a great science book. -- Scott Turner Quarterly Review of Biology Praise for the previous edition: Personal anecdotes connect the material to the happenings of everyday life, creating a book that will be well received and remembered by students. Nearly every example is accessible to common experience and easy to comprehend... Excellent, clean line diagrams illustrate nearly every important concept. Each chapter begins with an eclectic and often amusing quotation drawn or paraphrased from the experiences of the author. This typifies the familiar style brought forward in this important and timely work, which will surely become the book of choice for courses in comparative biomechanics. Choice Praise for the previous edition: [Vogel] is that rare animal, a biologist who is at once fluent in mathematics, conversant with physics and physical chemistry, and an accomplished practical engineer. More than that, the quality of Vogel's writing allows him to convey complex ideas clearly and make them so accessible that his books are hard to put down. -- H.C. Bennet-Clark Bioscience

[T]his is a fantastic book! ... [T]here can be no doubt, this is a science book of the highest and finest quality. Students in biology and physics, including (mechanical) engineers, will find in this book a sound guideline for an alternative view of their respective disciplines. It is a source of inspiration, also for the interested layman, for further reflection on the realm of physics in the biological world. --Harold Heatwole, Integrative and Comparative Biology

Praise for the previous edition: A delightful and comprehensive textbook that is perfect for undergraduates and those of us who need a refresher... Throughout the book, Vogel introduces the formulae and principles that matter in a clear manner, and illustrates them with a dizzying array of biological and physical examples... [T]his book is tremendous fun to read. Vogel writes with an effervescent sense of delight in his subject. The text is laced with wit and humor, and sprinkled with eclectic examples of nature's many marvels. None of the fun, however, diminishes the clarity. --Daniel E. Lieberman, Nature Praise for the previous edition: I tried skim-reading Steven Vogel's Comparative Biomechanics ... But was compromised: the volume has so many little gems scattered throughout that my eye got caught by the glitter and couldn't escape. In earlier books, Vogel introduced biomechanics piecemeal. Now he has written an integrated textbook on the subject. --Julian F. V. Vincent, Science Praise for the previous edition: Science books are generally read for three reasons: it is assigned, it provides an introduction to an unfamiliar field, or because it is a truly enjoyable read. Great science books meet all three... With Comparative Biomechanics, Vogel has now produced a book that meets all three criteria of a great science book. --Scott Turner, Quarterly Review of Biology Praise for the previous edition: Personal anecdotes connect the material to the happenings of everyday life, creating a book that will be well received and remembered by students. Nearly every example is accessible to common experience and easy to comprehend... Excellent, clean line diagrams illustrate nearly every important concept. Each chapter begins with an eclectic and often amusing quotation drawn or paraphrased from the experiences of the author. This typifies the familiar style brought forward in this important and timely work, which will surely become the book of choice for courses in comparative biomechanics. --Choice Praise for the previous edition: [Vogel] is that rare animal, a biologist who is at once fluent in mathematics, conversant with physics and physical chemistry, and an accomplished practical engineer. More than that, the quality of Vogel's writing allows him to convey complex ideas clearly and make them so accessible that his books are hard to put down. --H.C. Bennet-Clark, Bioscience

Author Information

Steven Vogel (19402015) was the James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of Biology at Duke University. His many books include Life's Devices (Princeton) and Cats' Paws and Catapults.

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