Effects of wind on a moving person

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of wind on a moving person, particularly in relation to headwinds, tailwinds, and crosswinds. Participants explore the conceptual understanding of apparent wind and its calculations, as well as the implications of motion on the perception of wind forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that a person walking at 4 mph facing a 10 mph headwind would feel the same wind as standing still against a 14 mph headwind.
  • Others argue that a person running at 7 mph with a 20 mph tailwind would experience similar conditions to standing still with a 13 mph tailwind.
  • A participant mentions the concept of apparent wind, which combines the person's motion with wind speed and direction.
  • Some participants emphasize the importance of vector calculations to understand the relative wind experienced by a moving person.
  • There is a contention regarding the interpretation of crosswinds, with some asserting that the magnitude of the push from a crosswind is equal to the wind speed, while others challenge this claim.
  • Participants discuss the analogy of a treadmill and its relevance to the discussion, with mixed opinions on its applicability to understanding wind effects.
  • One participant expresses confusion about how perpendicular wind forces interact when a person is in motion versus standing still.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic principles of headwinds and tailwinds but disagree on the specifics of how crosswinds affect a moving person. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the interpretation of vector diagrams and the analogy of a moving person to a stationary boat.

Contextual Notes

Some participants acknowledge that their understanding may be limited by assumptions or specific scenarios, such as the effects of a treadmill versus real-world movement. The discussion includes various interpretations of apparent wind and its calculations, which may depend on individual perspectives.

  • #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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