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 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.)

Answer 1

Answer:

A,)FD= 114.1N

B)Torque=798.5Nm

Explanation:

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 m^2 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, what is the magnitude of the drag force of the wind on the canopy? Assume a drag coefficient of 0.50 and the density of air of 1.2 kg/m^3

B)What torque does this force exert on the tree, measured about the point where the trunk meets the ground?

A)The equation of Drag force equation can be expressed below,

FD =[ CD × A × ρ × (v^2/ 2)]

Where CD= Drag coefficient for cone-shape = 0.5

ρ = Density

Area of of the tree canopy = 9.0 m^2

density of air of = 1.2 kg/m^3

V= wind velocity= 6.5 m/s,

If we substitute those values to the equation, we have;

FD =[ CD × A × ρ × (v^2/ 2)]

F= [ 0.5 × 9.0 m^2 × 1.2 kg/m^3 ( 6.5 m/s/ 2)]

FD= 114.1N

B) the torque can be calculated using below formula below

Torque= (Force × distance)

= 114.1 × 7

= 798.5Nm