Is it possible to run as fast as a car?

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SUMMARY

This discussion explores the potential for humans to achieve speeds comparable to cars through physical or chemical enhancements. It highlights the concept of using bicycles as a form of physical enhancement, referencing the record speed of 133.78 km/h (83.13 mph) achieved by Sebastiaan Bowier on a streamlined recumbent bicycle. The conversation also suggests innovative ideas such as advanced hip replacement technology that could allow for 360-degree leg rotation and the controversial notion of aerodynamic body morphing. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the intersection of biomechanics and technology in enhancing human speed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of biomechanics and human anatomy
  • Familiarity with cycling speed records and human-powered vehicles
  • Knowledge of doping in sports and its implications
  • Awareness of advanced medical technologies like hip replacements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advancements in biomechanics for speed enhancement
  • Explore the implications of doping in sports and its ethical considerations
  • Investigate the design and technology behind human-powered vehicles
  • Learn about the potential of aerodynamic body modifications and their historical context
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for sports scientists, biomechanists, medical professionals interested in prosthetics, and anyone exploring the limits of human performance and enhancement technologies.

ARC123
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By run fast I don't mean if the human body can handle it, I mean is there a way to allow a human to reach that speed while running(sort of like the flash)either using some kind of physical or chemical enhancement. Maybe not as fast as a car but some way to increase their max speed without having long legs.
 
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A bicycle would be cheating, I suppose? Thing is, a bike does exactly what's need. It enables you to use Gears as a Velocity Magnifier and it provides your muscles with the highest load for a given leg speed (matching). Some equivalent arrangement of levers, fixed to the legs (a bit like blades but using upper and lower limb muscles) could provide velocity magnification but you would need a lot of skill to avoid falling over.
 
ARC123 said:
By run fast I don't mean if the human body can handle it, I mean is there a way to allow a human to reach that speed while running(sort of like the flash)either using some kind of physical or chemical enhancement. Maybe not as fast as a car but some way to increase their max speed without having long legs.

Good question!

I would call "a bicycle" a physical enhancement.

Cycling speed records [wiki]
The highest speed officially recorded for any human-powered vehicle (HPV) on level ground and with calm winds and without external aids (such as motor pacing and wind-blocks, but including a defined amount of gravity assist) is 133.78 km/h (83.13 mph) set in 2013 by Sebastiaan Bowier in the VeloX3, a streamlined recumbent bicycle.

We already have hip replacement technology. I'm sure that you could design some sort of out of this world, next-gen, hip replacement design that allowed the legs to rotate 360 degrees.

That, along with AT's doping idea, will surely break 100 mph.

ps. There's also aerodynamic body morphing technology that has been around for centuries. But smooshing your babies head between two boards might get you put in jail nowadays. [ref]
 
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OmCheeto said:
ps. There's also aerodynamic body morphing technology that has been around for centuries. But smooshing your babies head between two boards might get you put in jail nowadays. [ref]
Oh dear!
 
sophiecentaur said:
Oh dear!
Praying there are no tiger-mom/dads looking at this thread right now...

"So, if I smoosh my baby, to about an inch thick, their aerodynamic profile would get them over 200 mph! Sweet!"

:biggrin:
 

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