KEVOS® MAKEOS · Mechanics
Wind Pressure and Force on a Surface
What force and overturning moment does wind at this speed put on this sign, guard or structure?
Dynamic pressure of wind from its speed and air density, the pressure on a surface with a shape (force) coefficient, the resulting force and its overturning moment about the base.
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How this tool works
Inputs, units and where to find them
| Input | Unit | Typical source |
|---|---|---|
| Wind speed | m/s | Design wind speed (from the applicable wind-load standard for structures). |
| Air density | kg/m³ | Air density; about 1.2 kg/m³ at sea level and 20 °C. |
| Shape (force) coefficient | Force coefficient for the shape (from the wind-load standard or test). | |
| Area facing the wind | m² | Projected area facing the wind. |
| Height of the area centre above the base | m | Lever arm from the base to the centre of pressure. |
Method and formulas
- Dynamic pressure q = ½ ρ V².
- Pressure on the surface p = C q; force F = p A; moment = F h.
- The handbook’s pressures (about 0.004 V² lb/ft² with V in mph) correspond to C ≈ 1.6 on this basis.
- Example: 20 m/s on 2 m² with C = 1.2 gives 576 N.
Limitations
- Steady wind; gusts and dynamic response are not included.
- Structures must be designed to the applicable wind-load standard.
- Example values are illustrations. Replace them with values for your actual task.
Typical uses
- Check anchoring of an outdoor enclosure, sign or guard
- Estimate wind force on a crane load or panel being lifted
- Size fixings for a rooftop unit
Who it is for
- Structural engineers
- Rigging supervisors
- Site engineers
What you get
- Dynamic pressure
- Wind pressure and force
- Overturning moment
Interpreting the result
- Pressure rises with the square of speed: doubling the wind speed quadruples the force.
References
- Machinery’s Handbook, 29th edition (Industrial Press, 2012), printed pp. 3028. Topic reference; no source tables or recommended settings are reproduced.
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