What is a weathervane? History and theory

How to determine the direction (and sometimes the speed) of the wind? This issue has worried long ago many travelers who use ships as a means of transportation. For this purpose, a special meteorological instrument was invented. What is a weather vane and what is it for?

A bit of history

Until the eighteenth century, Russia used the term "prapor" or "praporitsa". And in the Naval Charter of 1720, the word "weathervane" appears. What is a weathervane? Initially, it gets the widest distribution in the port cities. The device helps you decide whether to enter the ship or not. So, if the metal structure shows the direction of the wind from the sea, it was worth expecting the influx of a large number of merchant ships. If on the contrary, then no. And still, the device was installed on domes of cathedrals and churches. And the most common was the weathervane-cock. Over time, around the most ordinary device, all sorts of stories and even legends were born, giving it the status of an amulet or talisman at home.

What is a weathervane?

The definition given, for example, by Dal in his dictionary, designates the device as an iron flag, a pigtail indicating the direction in which the wind blows. The scientist also noted that the weather vane is made of tin and has an arrow on the rotary tube. "Vleugel" is a meteorological instrument not only indicating the direction of the wind, but also capable of sometimes measuring its force (Wild's weathervane). Traditionally, the weather vane means a flag made of metal, located on the axis (vertical), which turns freely under the influence of wind. There is also a counterbalance. It is always directed in the direction from where the airflow comes from. On modern weathercocks, to learn the strength of the wind, use a small lightweight propeller, and the direction is accurately determined by means of an encoder - a special electronic device.

Useful decoration

What is a weather vane today? This device often serves people and as a decor of the building. In the Baltic countries, for example, in each square, many houses are traditionally decorated with weather vanes - unique, original. And one of the most famous instruments of this kind in Russia is on the steeple of the Admiralty. The ship is one of the symbols of the City on the Neva. But, talking about what a weathervane, you need to remember about its useful properties. Firstly, it can be used as a chimney guard against wind blowing. Secondly, the propeller on the weathercock creates vibrations that repel rodents, moles, shrews. Therefore, gardeners sometimes install the device on their sites.

With your own hands

This small piece of tin can really decorate the roof of a dacha, cottage, private house, become the highlight of your home. All of us, of course, perfectly imagine what a weathervane is, and everyone at least once saw it live or in pictures. Today it is more like a toy. You can make a weathervane with your own hands. To do this, we need a sheet of steel (or better - copper, since it does not lend itself to atmospheric corrosion) and, of course, some skills in plumbing. Also it is necessary to have at least an approximate drawing of a weathervane-toy. The main components are the axle and the housing. From them will depend on how the design will react to wind blows. It is advisable, if the axis will rotate on bearings with a closed body (they are not afraid of moisture and do not require constant lubrication). It should also have a diameter of at least ten millimeters, which fully ensures the stability of the structure with strong gusts of wind. As for the hull, it's a matter of taste: cock, arrow, fish ... The main thing is that the basic proportions are observed. And best of all, contact your drawing in the auto repair shop. There for a little money you will be able to make a beautiful weather vane, you will only have to install it on the chimney with fasteners and bolts!