June 23, 2025
Description
Inspired by the Veratasium video linked below, this little cart demonstrates how a craft can move downwind faster than the wind. The blue stick represents the wind pushing on the cart. In the animation at the right I'm pushing the stick to make the “wind” move right to left, and the cart is moving right to left faster than the stick.
The wheels are designed to accept 23mm ID o-rings as tires, but you could probably make it work with rubber bands. The demonstration requires friction between the surface and the tire, which is a clue as to why it works.
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial — Share Alike