18

If you wanted to at least semi-realistically model the key components of Human running, what are the factors that determine the top running speed of an individual? The primary things to consider would be the 'thrust' provided by the legs, with significant components in the vertical and horizontal, and also wind resistance and energy dissipated by muscles and bones during the 'landing' half of each step, before the thrust part kicks in.

If a human was running in a vacuum (somehow...) would they be able to run much quicker, or is the wind resistance part negligible compared with the losses involved in the running action itself?

If anyone has references great, but I'd be happy with a well reasoned back of the envelope calculation.

Bogdanovist
  • 393

2 Answers2

11

The horizontal component of running is believed to be fairly negligible for humans. Some research suggests that the limit isn't strength related at all, but design --- in particular, based solely on power, humans could theoretically run up to almost 40 mph. The issue is two fold: first, our limbs are actually too heavy, for big strength (e.g. climbing in trees) - and weight us down for fast running. The second component is that we're in contact with the ground for far too short a time on each step. For comparison, consider cheetah's - who's long, forward-alternating strides significantly extend contact time.

DilithiumMatrix
  • 14,395
-2

In regards to wind resistance, it is negligible at running speeds in comparison to its value as air conditioning. The reason bicyclists can cycle for much longer than runners can run is from the much better cooling obtained from greater wind resistance!

The increased drag is of course more than made up for by the vastly greater efficiency of cycling.

Pieter Geerkens
  • 661