G-force of wind on a persons body.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of g-forces experienced by a person's arm when extended outside a vehicle traveling at 70 miles per hour. It is established that there is no g-force acting on the arm in a stable position; instead, a constant drag force is felt, which does not equate to acceleration. If the arm experiences turbulence causing it to flap, there may be acceleration, but quantifying this is complex. The drag force can feel similar to gravitational force, with an estimated sensation of 3-5g under turbulent conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly forces and acceleration.
  • Familiarity with the principles of drag force in fluid dynamics.
  • Knowledge of how turbulence affects objects in motion.
  • Basic comprehension of g-forces and their measurement.
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  • Research the principles of drag force and its effects on moving objects.
  • Explore the concept of turbulence in fluid dynamics and its impact on stability.
  • Learn about g-force measurement techniques and their applications in physics.
  • Investigate the effects of high-speed travel on the human body and its perception of forces.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in the effects of high-speed travel on the human body and the forces involved.

cjjjohn2469
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After doing some work with a painter friend we were coming home and I put my arm outside of the window as we were going 70 miles an hour. Wondering what the g-forces would be on my arms and hand?

Thank you
 
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There would be no g-force on your arm...

Presumably your arm didn't disappear behind that car and you were able to hold it out in a more or less stable position? In that case you will feel a force on it due to drag, but it's a constant force not an acceleration so the "g-force" would be zero.

If the airstream was turbulent and your arm flapped up and down then there would be acceleration. Quite hard to quantify though.
 
Thinking about it some more I suppose you could say that the force due to drag _feels_ like the force due to gravity. I'd estimate it as equivalent to 3-5g.
 
Thank you for your reply and explanation you gave. I was just curious and you satisfied that curious thread. Thank you.
 

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