How do boomerangs work?

Question

I’ve never actually understood how they can return to the thrower.

In: Physics

Answer 1

Angular momentum (spinning) keeps the boomerang spinning on its axis – i.e. level flight.

The airfoil shape of the blades (like an airplane wing) creates upward lift. So rather than flying in a straight line (on a 45 degree angle), the path of flight bends in an arc.

The combination of these two features cause the boomerang to fly level, but in a curve back to the point of release.