Question: We can model a pine tree in the forest as having a compact canopy at the top of a relatively bare trunk. Wind blowing on
We can model a pine tree in the forest as having a compact canopy at the top of a relatively bare trunk. Wind blowing on the top of the tree exerts a horizontal force, and thus a torque that can topple the tree if there is no opposing torque. Suppose a tree’s canopy presents an area of 9.0 m2 to the wind centered at a height of 7.0 m above the ground. (These are reasonable values for forest trees.) If the wind blows at 6.5 m/s: a. What is the magnitude of the drag force of the wind on the canopy? Assume a drag coefficient of 0.50. b. What torque does this force exert on the tree, measured about the point where the trunk meets the ground?
Step by Step Solution
3.39 Rating (143 Votes )
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts
