A mathematical analysis of wind effects on a long-jumper

Abstract

AbstractA perturbation model is used to predict the distance jumped by a long-jumper for a range of tailwinds and headwinds. The zeroth-order approximation is based on gravity being the only force present, the effects of drag and lift only being included in the first-order corrections. The difference in predicted distances produced by the zeroth and first-order approximations is less than 2% for headwinds or tailwinds upto 4 ms−1. Most increases or decreases due to wind are caused by changes in the run-up speed, and consequently the take-off angle and speed.