Choice of magnetic strength in the wind
Wind and magnets - what should you use?
We are often asked how strong a magnet should be if you want to use it to hang, for example . a banner or a curtain up outdoors where it's windy.
We have engaged a sailing specialist and an engineer to help with the calculations, and based on their calculations regarding wind and weather conditions - including in particular the strength of the wind can hit different materials in different weather conditions - we have created a chart so that you have a guideline for your choice of magnets. Since we often have to count on setting up signs outdoors, we have chosen to focus on different wind forces and how these affect a banner made of fabric or pressed.
NOTE! It is important to know that there may be additional factors that influence the choice of magnetic strength than just the strength of the wind, which is why we have collected some examples and written below the table how to calculate your need for magnetic strength.
Wind strength table:
Wind strength
/ size
|
Silent weather
|
Nearly silent weather
|
Light wind
|
Normal wind
|
Smooth wind
|
Fresh wind
|
Strong wind
|
0,5 m2
|
0,1
|
1,0
|
4,1
|
11,3
|
29,0
|
49,9
|
82,6
|
1 m2
|
0,2
|
2,0
|
8,2
|
22,7
|
58,0
|
99,9
|
165,1
|
1,5 m2
|
0,3
|
3,1
|
12,2
|
34,0
|
87,0
|
149,8
|
247,7
|
2 m2
|
0,5
|
4,1
|
16,3
|
45,3
|
116,0
|
199,8
|
330,2
|
2,5 m2
|
0,6
|
5,1
|
20,4
|
56,6
|
145,0
|
249,7
|
412,8
|
3 m2
|
0,7
|
6,1
|
24,5
|
68,0
|
174,0
|
299,7
|
495,4
|
3,5 m2
|
0,8
|
7,1
|
28,5
|
79,3
|
202,9
|
349,6
|
577,9
|
4 m2
|
0,9
|
8,2
|
32,6
|
90,6
|
231,9
|
399,6
|
660,5
|
How to read the table: The column on the left indicates the size of the sign. And the other columns show the impact in kg. depending on the strength of the wind (quiet/weak/strong) when the wind is directly on.
Example: You have a banner or a curtain of 1.5 x 1.5 meters (3 m2), which must be able to cope with light winds. This gives a result of 68 kg. as possible wind influence. Let's say your curtain or banner weighs 2 kg. This must be added to the strength of the wind, which is why you need a magnetic strength of min. 70 kg. to be able to have your banner or curtain hanging magnetically. But if it can accept water, the weight can easily more than double, and then you might have to go up to something a la 75 kg.