Effects of wind on a moving person

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effects of wind on a moving person, specifically how headwinds and tailwinds impact perceived wind speed. A person walking at 4 mph facing a 10 mph headwind experiences the same wind as standing still against a 14 mph headwind. Similarly, a runner at 7 mph with a 20 mph tailwind feels the same as standing still in a 13 mph tailwind. The concept of "apparent wind" is crucial, as it combines the person's motion with wind speed and direction, and vector calculations are necessary for accurate assessments, especially with crosswinds.

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  • Understanding of vector addition in physics
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  • Basic knowledge of drag forces and coefficients
  • Experience with real-world applications of wind effects, such as sailing or cycling
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  • Research "Vector Addition in Physics" for better understanding of motion and wind interactions
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  • Investigate the effects of wind on hair dynamics during running or cycling
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Individuals interested in physics, athletes, cyclists, and anyone studying the effects of wind on movement, including engineers and designers in sports and aerodynamics.

  • #31
ForecasterJason said:
Bumping to see if anyone can provide insight.
Using long hair as the 'wind detector' is good because hair will just follow the direction of the apparent wind and not be affected too much by the body shape. Just add the two velocities (whatever angles they are at) and you will get the direction the hair will point in. Moving up and down at the same time could have an effect but it just depends on how far you want to take the accuracy; the vertical velocity would also come into the equation.
 
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  • #32
sophiecentaur said:
Using long hair as the 'wind detector' is good because hair will just follow the direction of the apparent wind and not be affected too much by the body shape. Just add the two velocities (whatever angles they are at) and you will get the direction the hair will point in. Moving up and down at the same time could have an effect but it just depends on how far you want to take the accuracy; the vertical velocity would also come into the equation.
Ok thanks. So, it sounds like then the speed as well with which it would be blown would be accurate from what I was saying.
 
  • #33
ForecasterJason said:
the speed as well with which it would be blown
The reference frame direction needs to be considered here. Of course, the actual velocity of the hair is the same as that of the person. Apparent wind is what will govern the direction of the hair wrt the person and their direction of travel. This is no big deal - just something one needs to take into account. Sailors look at their wind indicator (on top of the mast) constantly but that only gives apparent wind but the flag on the nearby club house can give a different answer and also the flags on other yachts.
 
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  • #34
sophiecentaur said:
The reference frame direction needs to be considered here. Of course, the actual velocity of the hot is the same as that of the person. Apparent wind is what will govern the direction of the hair wrt the person and their direction of travel. This is no big deal - just something one needs to take into account. Sailors look at their wind indicator (on top of the mast) constantly but that only gives apparent wind but the flag on the nearby club house can give a different answer and also the flags on other yachts.
Ok. Did you mean "hair" in your second sentence?
 
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  • #35
ForecasterJason said:
Ok. Did you mean "hair" in your second sentence?
Proof reading rules ok.
 

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