Base jumpers -- How much impact force is survivable?

In summary, base jumping is a dangerous sport with a high risk of fatality. The amount of force that the human body can survive varies greatly depending on the circumstances, but in general, injury is mostly a result of acceleration and the limit for survivable force is around 100g.
  • #1
AlexPski
1
0
So I've been becoming pretty obsessed with base jumpers. However its a pretty dangerous sport and as it turns out (surprise) a lot of them die. I was just wondering how much force the human body can survive. Say a 90kg base jumper jumped off of a 900m mountain and their parachute failed to open or had a malfunction, obviously they would not survive but how much force do they actually experience when they hit the ground? And what is survivable by humans?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
Welcome to PF!

Impact force isn't really a useful thing because you can impart a very high force for a very short time and not do much damage. In addition, the injury caused by impact with the ground varies greatly with how you hit the ground. In general though, injury is a function mostly of acceleration. 100g is about the limit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-force#Short_duration_shock_and_jerk
 

Related to Base jumpers -- How much impact force is survivable?

1. What is the maximum impact force a base jumper can survive?

The maximum impact force a base jumper can survive varies depending on several factors such as body position, landing surface, and overall physical condition. However, studies have shown that humans can withstand impact forces of up to 12 G's, which is equivalent to a fall of approximately 30 feet onto a hard surface.

2. How do base jumpers prepare their bodies for impact?

Base jumpers often undergo rigorous training to strengthen their bodies and prepare for impact. This includes exercises to improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength. Additionally, many base jumpers wear protective gear such as helmets and padding to reduce the impact force on their bodies.

3. Can the location of impact affect survivability?

Yes, the location of impact can greatly affect a base jumper's chances of survival. Landing on a soft surface, such as water or snow, can greatly reduce the impact force and increase the chances of survival. However, landing on a hard surface, such as concrete, can result in much higher impact forces and decrease the chances of survival.

4. Are there any factors that can increase the impact force experienced by a base jumper?

Yes, there are several factors that can increase the impact force experienced by a base jumper. These include jumping from a higher altitude, a longer freefall time, and a poor landing position. Additionally, weather conditions such as strong winds can also affect the impact force.

5. Are there any safety measures base jumpers can take to reduce impact force?

Yes, there are several safety measures base jumpers can take to reduce the impact force and increase their chances of survival. This includes proper training, using appropriate gear, choosing a suitable landing site, and assessing weather conditions before jumping. It is also important for base jumpers to continuously assess and adjust their body position during the fall to reduce the impact force on landing.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
811
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
4K
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
4
Replies
118
Views
6K
Back
Top