RIP Freeman J Dyson
Discussion
A name that might possibly live through the ages. A truly imaginative and visionary mathematician & physicist.
I was made aware of his work through the Dyson Sphere, via Starmaker . How does one conceive of such things?
I'm sure many of you have better knowledge of his work than me, so please share.
I was made aware of his work through the Dyson Sphere, via Starmaker . How does one conceive of such things?
I'm sure many of you have better knowledge of his work than me, so please share.
A name a lot worthier of remembrance than any number of celebrities.
Some of his early work was in Bomber Command's Operational Research Section, if I recall rightly he pointed out that the removal of gunners, guns, etc. from our heavy bomber force would have been statistically more beneficial than their presence. As the aircraft would be able to fly further, higher, faster, and any lost would result in fewer human casualties. But it was felt that the lack of self defence would harm crew morale, so even though it meant higher losses, we kept on throwing gunners and their crews into the fire...
Some of his early work was in Bomber Command's Operational Research Section, if I recall rightly he pointed out that the removal of gunners, guns, etc. from our heavy bomber force would have been statistically more beneficial than their presence. As the aircraft would be able to fly further, higher, faster, and any lost would result in fewer human casualties. But it was felt that the lack of self defence would harm crew morale, so even though it meant higher losses, we kept on throwing gunners and their crews into the fire...
Was he referring to nose gunners? The RAF eventually dropped nose turrets from most of their bombers (the Lancaster being an exception) as it was found that the weight and drag of the turret outweighed any real defence benefit. From what I've read, the mid-upper and tail gunners were pretty vital as look-outs - more important than their role as gunners..
Eric Mc said:
Was he referring to nose gunners? The RAF eventually dropped nose turrets from most of their bombers (the Lancaster being an exception) as it was found that the weight and drag of the turret outweighed any real defence benefit. From what I've read, the mid-upper and tail gunners were pretty vital as look-outs - more important than their role as gunners..
I imagine it was the nose and one of the dorsal ones... Apparently in his book "Disturbing the Universe", but I can't find a decently-priced copy anywhere.RIP indeed, a true visionary of science.
Gassing Station | Science! | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff