Mathematical model explains why Bolt is so fast

Lightning fast, athlete Usain Bolt is one of the great stars of today's track and field. Incredible record holder in the 100 meters, Bolt manages to reach a speed that puzzles even scholars. At least until recently, because scientists have now found a way to explain Bolt's speed.

The current 100-meter world record belongs to him, who reached the 9.58 second mark during the 2009 World Championship in Berlin. Experts say a mathematical model explains the power and energy it needed to expend to overcome the thrust caused by air resistance.

Quickly

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According to BBC News, the IOP Science research team estimated that Bolt set a record of 9.58 seconds by reaching a speed of 12.2 meters per second, equivalent to 27 mph.

As a result, the team calculated that Bolt's maximum power occurred when he was less than a second into the race and then kept at half that peak to set the record. This demonstrates the brief immediate effect of thrust, which is where air resistance decreases the speed of moving bodies.

They also found that less than 8% of the energy produced by their muscles was used for movement, with the rest being absorbed on impulse.

Mass and track

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In addition to these results, the researchers also compared Bolt's body mass, runway altitude, and air temperature. Thus, they found that their thrust coefficient - which is a measure of resistance per unit area of ​​mass - was actually less aerodynamic than an average man's average.

Jorge Hernandez of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México said: "Our calculated buoyancy coefficient highlights Bolt's remarkable ability. He was able to break several records, though not as streamlined as the maximum a human being can be. This is all because of the physical barrier imposed by Earth conditions. Of course, if Bolt were to run on a planet with a less dense atmosphere, he could get records of even more fantastic proportions. "

Great strides

Another scientist also gave his opinion on the secret of Bolt's speed. According to John Barrow of Cambridge University, the athlete's speed came in part because of his "extraordinary stride length", despite having an initial slow reaction momentum for the starting shot.

He said Bolt had plenty of room to break his current record if he responds faster at the start, runs harder downwind and at higher altitude where there is less buoyant force.