The discussion centers on the phenomenon of flags appearing to move in slow motion when fluttering in the wind. Participants explore whether this perception is a psychological effect or if it can be explained by physical principles such as fluid dynamics and fabric behavior.
The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing views on the nature of the slow-motion appearance of flags and the factors contributing to it.
Participants express limitations in their understanding of the physics concepts involved, and there is a noted dependence on definitions and interpretations of fluid dynamics.
I’m trying to build up my understanding of physics concepts by asking questions that emerge from everyday observations. I tried looking up 'flag motion fluid dynamics', but most of what I found was overly technical. That’s why I thought this forum might help me connect intuition with actual physics.Chestermiller said:
As the wind passes a flag pole, it deviates alternately to the left and right, forming a "Karman street". The flag lies between the air that moves down one side of the pole, and the air on the other. It therefore shows the position of the boundary between the alternating vortices, as they move downstream with the wind.metehansure said:
Thank you so much for your clear and detailed explanation.Baluncore said:
Such is life / Physics.metehansure said:
