Power of atmosphere and skyscraper windows?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of atmospheric pressure on skyscraper windows, particularly in urban environments where wind is channeled between buildings. Participants explore the relationship between wind speed, pressure differences, and the structural implications for windows in high-rise buildings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the phenomenon of windows being blown outwards due to pressure differences created by wind. Questions are raised about the role of wind speed in this context and whether it contributes to increased pressure differences.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts involved, with some participants referencing Bernoulli's Principle as a potential framework for understanding the situation. No consensus has been reached, but various interpretations and insights are being shared.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the details of the physics involved, indicating a reliance on intuitive reasoning and external sources for their understanding.

graphicer89
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Power of atmosphere and skyscraper windows?

Hi i was wondering about a question dealing with atmosphere and windows...If you could help me out by understanding somethings id really appreciate it..thanks a lot...


In a large cities when wind is forced to blow between two rows of skyscrapers, windows in the skyscrapers are sometimes blown outwards. Why does this happen? Is it something with the atmoshpere and pressure of air??
 
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graphicer89 said:
Hi i was wondering about a question dealing with atmosphere and windows...If you could help me out by understanding somethings id really appreciate it..thanks a lot...


In a large cities when wind is forced to blow between two rows of skyscrapers, windows in the skyscrapers are sometimes blown outwards. Why does this happen? Is it something with the atmoshpere and pressure of air??
You are indeed correct. The air passing over the outside of the window causes a decrease in pressure leading to a higher pressure inside the building compared to outside, thus forcing the glass outwards.
 


Hootenanny said:
You are indeed correct. The air passing over the outside of the window causes a decrease in pressure leading to a higher pressure inside the building compared to outside, thus forcing the glass outwards.

Doesn't the wind increase dramatically in speed when it's forced through the narrow gap between two buildings, thus increasing the pressure difference?
 


RoyalCat said:
Doesn't the wind increase dramatically in speed when it's forced through the narrow gap between two buildings, thus increasing the pressure difference?
I'm not entirely sure whether that is the case, but it certainly would make sense, intuitively.
 


Hootenanny said:
I'm not entirely sure whether that is the case, but it certainly would make sense, intuitively.

Heh, I'm just going by something I heard on a Discovery show, though, heh, so the OP should take it with a grain of salt. ^^;
 


Thanks both of you...really appreciate the insightfulness of this questions...i just remembered Bernoullis Principle and how it applies to this questions...i think ...thanks though keep a look out for me i will be posting some more questions...thanks again
 

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