Home Back

Calculate Wind Force on a Surface

Wind Force Equation:

\[ F = \frac{1}{2} \times \rho \times v^2 \times A \times C_d \]

kg/m³
m/s
(dimensionless)

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is the Wind Force Equation?

The wind force equation calculates the force exerted by wind on a surface. It's fundamental in engineering, architecture, and environmental studies to assess wind loads on structures.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the wind force equation:

\[ F = \frac{1}{2} \times \rho \times v^2 \times A \times C_d \]

Where:

Explanation: The equation accounts for kinetic energy of moving air and the shape-dependent drag characteristics of the object.

3. Importance of Wind Force Calculation

Details: Accurate wind force estimation is crucial for structural design, safety assessments, and understanding environmental impacts on buildings and infrastructure.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter air density (default 1.225 kg/m³ for sea level), wind speed in m/s, surface area in m², and drag coefficient (typical values: 1.0 for flat plate, 0.04-1.3 for various shapes).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is typical air density?
A: At sea level, ~1.225 kg/m³. Decreases with altitude (0.96 kg/m³ at 1000m, 0.74 kg/m³ at 3000m).

Q2: How to convert wind speed from km/h to m/s?
A: Divide km/h by 3.6 (e.g., 100 km/h = 27.78 m/s).

Q3: What are typical drag coefficients?
A: 1.28-1.4 for spheres, 1.0-1.3 for flat plates, 0.7-1.2 for cars, 0.04 for streamlined bodies.

Q4: How does wind force relate to wind pressure?
A: Wind pressure (P) is force per unit area: P = F/A = 0.5 × ρ × v² × C_d.

Q5: What's the difference between static and dynamic wind force?
A: This equation calculates quasi-static force. Dynamic effects (vibration, resonance) require more complex analysis.

Calculate Wind Force on a Surface© - All Rights Reserved 2025