Posted: Mar 06, 2011 6:18 pm
Did you actually READ the link about relative wind? 
Here is the physics and the explanation that is easily translated to this situation as a set of rapid tacking.
no - the blades are not.
Go back to rapid tacking - there is always relative wind.
Only a square rigged set up with the "sail" at right angles to the wind works as you describe. Read the sailing description of how a boat sails faster than the wind and you will understand this.
I do NOT agree the wheels drive the prop except under turntable or treadmill conditions which I consider completely spurious nonsense.
Here is the physics and the explanation that is easily translated to this situation as a set of rapid tacking.
but nevertheless they are still traveling at exactly the speed of the wind
no - the blades are not.
Go back to rapid tacking - there is always relative wind.
Only a square rigged set up with the "sail" at right angles to the wind works as you describe. Read the sailing description of how a boat sails faster than the wind and you will understand this.
I do NOT agree the wheels drive the prop except under turntable or treadmill conditions which I consider completely spurious nonsense.