Research finds trees, regardless of their diameter, height, or elastic properties, don't tend to break until wind speeds reach about 42 m/s (94 mph). ScienceMagArchives
When a cyclone named Klaus tore across southwestern France in January 2009, it highlighted a strange phenomenon:
Trees, regardless of their diameter, height, or elastic properties, don't tend to break until wind speeds reach about 42 m/s . This seemingly odd convergence has actually been observed by several historical scientists, including Galileo and Leonardo da Vinci, both of whom suggested that a mathematical law could explain the resistance of wooden beams under stress. Now, using data from a new experiment, scientists say they have found that law. In a study published this week in, scientists hung weights from wooden rods and pieces of pencil lead to record the amount of force needed to snap the cylinder.