What is meant by Magnus effect?

The Magnus effect is a phenomenon in fluid dynamics where a spinning object moving through a fluid (such as air or water) experiences a sideways force perpendicular to the direction of motion. This force is caused by the difference in pressure on opposite sides of the object due to the rotation, resulting in a curved path of motion. The Magnus effect is commonly observed in sports such as baseball, tennis, and golf, where the spin of the ball affects its trajectory.

The Magnus effect is a phenomenon that describes the curved trajectory of an object moving through a fluid when there is a spin imparted on the object.

When an object spins, it creates a region of low pressure on one side and a region of high pressure on the other side. This difference in pressure produces a force perpendicular to the direction of motion, causing the object to curve in the direction of the lower pressure region.

The Magnus effect is most commonly seen in sports, such as baseball, tennis, and golf. In baseball, a pitcher can throw a curveball by spinning the ball in a certain direction. The spin creates a pressure difference that causes the ball to curve towards the batter. In tennis, a player can hit a topspin shot by brushing the ball with the top of the racket. The topspin creates a pressure difference that causes the ball to curve up and over the net. In golf, a player can hit a draw or a fade by spinning the ball in a certain direction. The spin creates a pressure difference that causes the ball to curve towards or away from the target.

The Magnus effect is also used in engineering applications, such as the design of wind turbines and aircraft wings. In wind turbines, the blades are designed to spin in a certain direction to create a pressure difference that generates lift. In aircraft wings, the wings are designed to create a pressure difference that generates lift.