Air pressure caused by wind on human being

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the air pressure exerted by wind on a human being at various wind speeds, specifically focusing on the relationship between wind velocity and pressure using a formula. The scope includes theoretical and mathematical reasoning related to fluid dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about calculating the air pressure caused by wind on a human being at specific wind speeds.
  • Another participant provides a formula for calculating pressure based on wind velocity and mentions the need for a shape coefficient, which remains unspecified for the human body due to its complexity.
  • A third participant expresses intent to investigate the shape coefficient further.
  • Another viewpoint suggests starting the analysis without the shape coefficient, referencing Bernoulli's equation and the concept of air stagnation at a specific point on the body to determine maximum pressure.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present different approaches to the problem, with no consensus on the necessity or value of the shape coefficient in the calculations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method to determine the air pressure.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the definition and value of the shape coefficient for the human body, as well as the assumptions made in applying Bernoulli's equation in this context.

mjdwyer23
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Hi Folks-
Is there a way to determine the air pressure caused by wind at a given mph on a human being? Thanks!

MD
 
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mjdwyer23 said:
Hi Folks-
Is there a way to determine the air pressure caused by wind at a given mph on a human being? Thanks!

MD

Yes. The general formula for your units is:

P = 0.00256 x V^2 x C

where,

P is the pressure in psi
V is the wind velocity in mph
C is a shape coefficient (don't know what it would be for a human body since it is such a complex shape)

Hope this helps.

CS
 
Thanks for the quick response! I'll do some more digging on the shape part and see what I can come up with. Thanks again!
 
I'd start without the shape coefficient - there is a point in the middle of your body where the air stagnates, producing the maximum pressure possible via Bernoulli's equation.
 

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