Impact and Damage from falling from a bridge into water

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SUMMARY

The impact of a fall from a 25-foot bridge into water varies significantly based on water conditions. An average adult male weighing 180 lbs experiences different forces when hitting still water versus aerated water or water with waves. The introduction of air bubbles can reduce water density, decreasing impact force and extending the time of deceleration. Proper orientation, such as landing feet first with arms crossed, further mitigates injury risk during impact.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as acceleration, momentum, and force.
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics, particularly the effects of water density and drag.
  • Familiarity with diving techniques and body orientation during water entry.
  • Awareness of safety measures in high diving scenarios, including the use of aerated water.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of free fall and impact force calculations.
  • Explore the effects of water density on impact forces in various conditions.
  • Learn about techniques used in competitive diving to minimize injury.
  • Investigate the design and effectiveness of air bubble systems in reducing impact forces.
USEFUL FOR

Individuals interested in physics, safety engineers, competitive divers, and emergency responders seeking to understand the dynamics of high falls into water and injury prevention strategies.

CCphysics
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If an average adult male fell from a bridge (ex. golden gate) what would be the impact on his body when he hit still water versus water with waves. What is his acceleration, momentum, and his change of momentum when he hits the water


With these in mind how does the fall affect his organs which are traveling at the same velocity of his body?
 
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CCphysics said:
If an average adult male fell from a bridge (ex. golden gate) what would be the impact on his body when he hit still water versus water with waves. What is his acceleration, momentum, and his change of momentum when he hits the water


With these in mind how does the fall affect his organs which are traveling at the same velocity of his body?

What is the context of your question?
 
We want to know how much is the force (or how to calculate the force) of impact on a body falling from a 25ft bridge or higher into water. And if there is any possible way to reduce that force to something that will cause little to no bodily injury. for example if creating air bubble or creating waves will that reduce the force and by how much?


Context can be, a 180 lbs 6' male has decided to go to a 25 ft suspended bridge and jump off into still water. What affects occur on his body by jumping, and what ways can he reduce these negative affects while in the air and/or on impact to stay alive and unhurt.
 
CCphysics said:
We want to know how much is the force (or how to calculate the force) of impact on a body falling from a 25ft bridge or higher into water. And if there is any possible way to reduce that force to something that will cause little to no bodily injury. for example if creating air bubble or creating waves will that reduce the force and by how much?


Context can be, a 180 lbs 6' male has decided to go to a 25 ft suspended bridge and jump off into still water. What affects occur on his body by jumping, and what ways can he reduce these negative affects while in the air and/or on impact to stay alive and unhurt.

Land feet first, arms crossed?
 
Yes, the vast majority of your variables are going to involve his orientation when he hits the water.
 
Competition divers use aerated water in the diving pools for high dives (a big bubble machine is switched on just before the dive). If the water has a lot of bubbles in it (say 20% by volume) then the density of the water will be 0.8 of water. That will mean less mass to collide with initially. Also the drag will be a bit less - reducing the force by extending the time to reduce speed. Both factors must be significant.
The presence of waves will have a similar effect of extending the time of the initial impact - all good stuff.
 

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