A change in the direction of the wind can indicate a change in the weather pattern. This is the main reason why it is particularly important for mankind to keep track of the wind's direction. Weathervanes have been used for decades to show the direction of the wind. They are usually mounted on tall structures to catch the purest breeze without any interference. While they are typically used to show the wind's direction, they can also be used for decoration purposes.
The weathervane started out as a simple structure with its main function of showing the wind's direction. Most of the common forms included a flag, bird or animal. We now have many coming up with different designs. But they still follow the basic structure with three main components. The supporting structure of the weathervane is the spindle. This is also referred to as a rod, shaft or spire.
The rod is usually perched at a high point where it can catch the wind easily with no interference. This could be on a rooftop, a fence, a farmhouse or even a barn. These are the most common areas you are likely to find one. Though it is not uncommon to find it in other areas. Any place is also suitable as long as the weathervane catches the purest wind which has not been blocked by any barrier.
The other basic component that every weathervane should have is the vane that is usually mounted on the spindle. This is the main part which indicates the wind's direction. It usually has a forward and a rear part. The forward part needs to be pointed to show the direction and the rear part catches the wind and rotates accordingly.
For a weathervane to work properly it needs to follow a certain proportion. The rear part needs to carry two-thirds of the entire weight of the vane. The front part is always lighter. With this weight proportion, the rear part pushes the front part which gives the direction of the wind. All vanes need to maintain this proportion regardless of their size, design and even the material used. This way they all behave the same way when the wind blows.
The spindle and vane are ideally the two basic parts of any weathervane. A third feature can be added which is the points of a compass. The feature can be added below the vane as arms of the spindle to easily help any viewer identify the exact direction the wind is blowing. The compass points are usually fixed permanently and do not spin with the rest of the vane.
Apart from the three basic parts, other vanes have additional parts that add aesthetic value. The features come in different designs and can include stars, floral arrangements or even distinct ornamental works that make the structure more appealing. In lightning-prone areas, the vane can have a lightning rod system that grounds any lighting that strikes it.
The most basic vanes are made from wood and wrought iron. However, metals are also fairly common especially those that have weather resistant properties. These are mostly copper, aluminum and even stainless steel.
The weathervane started out as a simple structure with its main function of showing the wind's direction. Most of the common forms included a flag, bird or animal. We now have many coming up with different designs. But they still follow the basic structure with three main components. The supporting structure of the weathervane is the spindle. This is also referred to as a rod, shaft or spire.
The rod is usually perched at a high point where it can catch the wind easily with no interference. This could be on a rooftop, a fence, a farmhouse or even a barn. These are the most common areas you are likely to find one. Though it is not uncommon to find it in other areas. Any place is also suitable as long as the weathervane catches the purest wind which has not been blocked by any barrier.
The other basic component that every weathervane should have is the vane that is usually mounted on the spindle. This is the main part which indicates the wind's direction. It usually has a forward and a rear part. The forward part needs to be pointed to show the direction and the rear part catches the wind and rotates accordingly.
For a weathervane to work properly it needs to follow a certain proportion. The rear part needs to carry two-thirds of the entire weight of the vane. The front part is always lighter. With this weight proportion, the rear part pushes the front part which gives the direction of the wind. All vanes need to maintain this proportion regardless of their size, design and even the material used. This way they all behave the same way when the wind blows.
The spindle and vane are ideally the two basic parts of any weathervane. A third feature can be added which is the points of a compass. The feature can be added below the vane as arms of the spindle to easily help any viewer identify the exact direction the wind is blowing. The compass points are usually fixed permanently and do not spin with the rest of the vane.
Apart from the three basic parts, other vanes have additional parts that add aesthetic value. The features come in different designs and can include stars, floral arrangements or even distinct ornamental works that make the structure more appealing. In lightning-prone areas, the vane can have a lightning rod system that grounds any lighting that strikes it.
The most basic vanes are made from wood and wrought iron. However, metals are also fairly common especially those that have weather resistant properties. These are mostly copper, aluminum and even stainless steel.
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