Driving away from the wind

[AndyD]

There is a 30mph wind blowing in a northerly direction. If I was in a car travelling at the same speed and direction as the wind then stuck my head out of the sunroof ' would I be able to feel any wind or would it be perfectly calm?

[Mintox]

Yes you would - the northern blowing wind would only be on the back of your head - but you front would be moving through stationary air.

[wildwood]

The aerodinamic shape of the car would disturb the air so you would still feel quite a strong wind, depending on the shape of the vehicle.

[darth vader]

I disagree Mintox. Unless the car is at the front edge of the 30mph wind then the air in front of the car will also be travelling at 30mph northerly, so you would not feel any effect from this. But as wildwood correctly suggests, the car will create air disturbances (through the sunroof for one) which will be felt.

[DavidUK]

If you are surrounded by air (wind) travelling with the same speed and direction as your car then the air is stationary relative to the car and so you would feel no wind.

[AndyD]

All points sound valid to me. I think that I will try it (not at the same time as driving though!) However, I think that it would need to be done in wind tunnel to be a fair test. Anyone got a wind tunnel?

[DavidUK]

Andy - the car would be stationary in the wind tunnel. I don't think there are any wind tunnels that are long enough to enable you to drive at the same speed as the air flow. Anyway, all points can't be valid as I disagree with all the others (and I'm right, of course!).

[Hamish]

I think Bowing have a wind tunnel that might be big enough to get up to 30mph in ....... but it might be a bit expensive.

[Ninereeds]

i think aeroplane wind tunnels are huge. Not sure tho.