Science: Les Hatton from the Faculty of Computing, Information Systems and Mathematics at the University of Kingston published a paper titled “Optimising the javelin throw in the presence of prevailing winds” [1], which was updated on January 28, 2007.  The mathematical model is based and calibrated on data from various championships’ results. It is a very sophisticated model, which “solves a coupled non-linear set of ordinary differential equations that incorporate the full three-dimensional effects of lift, drag and rotation” of the javelin throw. Using the Javelin Flight Analyser software based on this model, the following results provide an idea of the effect of wind on distance.

Table 1. Wind Direction

Wind Direction (°)	Distance (m)
0 = Head wind	56.87	64.00	65.3	66.66
45 = Right Head	58.87	66.1	67.38	68.17
90 = Right Cross	63.9	71.21	72.4	73.62
135 = Right Tail	69.15	76.33	77.4	78.47
180 = Tail wind	71.39	78.46	79.46	80.48
225 = Left Tail	69.12	76.3	77.36	78.44
270 = Left Cross	63.82	71.1	72.3	73.51
315 = Left Head	58.84	66.06	67.34	68.66
No Wind	63.94	71.26	72.45	73.67
Attack Angle (°)	0	-5	0	5
Release Angle (°)	30	40	40	40
Constant: Javelin = Tailwind, Weight = 800g, Wind Speed = 2.0 m/s, Release Velocity = 26 m/s

Conclusion: From the table above you can see that any tailwind is beneficial, and a wind from the right (for a right handed thrower) is slightly advantageous. Of course there are limitations to this model as described by Hatton in his paper, however this result agrees with first principles that a wind which opposes the direction of the javelin’s flight will increase the drag, and therefore decrease its speed. We know that the speed of the javelin is the most important factor for a long throw.

References:

1. Hatton, Les. Optimising the javelin throw in the presence of prevailing winds. University of Kingston, January 28, 2007. http://www.leshatton.org/javelin_2005.html [Accessed 10 November 2010].