G-force of wind on a persons body.

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    Body G-force Wind
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of g-forces experienced by a person's arm when extended outside a moving vehicle at high speed, specifically at 70 miles per hour. Participants explore the effects of wind drag and acceleration on the arm in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the g-forces acting on their arm while it is extended out of a window at high speed.
  • Another participant asserts that there would be no g-force on the arm, explaining that while drag creates a constant force, it does not result in acceleration, thus yielding a "g-force" of zero.
  • A further contribution suggests that if the airstream is turbulent and causes the arm to flap, there could be acceleration, though quantifying this effect is challenging.
  • One participant speculates that the drag force might feel similar to gravitational force, estimating it could be equivalent to 3-5g.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the presence and nature of g-forces on the arm, with no consensus reached regarding the effects of drag and turbulence.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the complexities of quantifying the forces involved, particularly in relation to turbulent airflow and its effects on the arm's motion.

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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