Calculating Usain Bolt's Power

Presents an analysis of Usain Bolt's record run in the 100 meter dash and shows an exact mathematical calculation of Usain Bolt's power - in horsepower. Uses the actual measured data and develops formulas for Usain's speed using calculus and the physics of running. A great learning tool for advanced high school or college physics and math. Voice-over narration is generated by Speech-Over Professional using text-to-speech voices.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Usain Bolt
• 100 meter dash
• physics of running
• text-to-speech
• speech-over
• world champion sprinter
• calculus
• speed
• acceleration
• force
• power
• analysis
• record

[appa609]

I would have liked to see instantaneous power output. Though it would be less involved, it would probably give us a more useful figure to compare to other athletes.

A big, heavy guy in my class generated 3 hp climbing stairs. Just sayin.

[georgert]

I call bullshit on the statement that Bolt's constant speed section of the run is determined by an equilibrium between air resistance and the ground reaction force. After accelerating through the first 40 meters Bolt achieves maximum velocity because he cannot mechanically increase either of the two key factors related to running speed, stride length and stride frequency. Speed/wind resistance equilibria is true for a free falling body in an atmosphere.

[therunningpianist42]

I thought the physics equation for power was work (force times distance) over time...

[CT2004LIFE]

what...

[MissionRiddim]

goddamn - Bolt has a Honda Lawn mower engine shoved up in that jamaican ass somewhere!

[19batista96]

44.45 km/h

[19batista96]

yes usain bolt top speed is 27.65 mph.. /watch?v=SyY7RgNLCUk

[crazyasianskills]

27 mph...unreal.

[Focusb4ufire]

a horse could produce at least 10 hp though. it can produce 1hp just by walking. so its very different... most humans can do 1hp on a brief sprint, a fit person can usually do about 2hp... bolt once again amazes the world

Usain bolt is my hero though, im a sprinter aswell so i wish i could produce 3hp :P