The physics involved are so intuitively trivial, that the subject is
hardly worth the discussion.

....which is why I am puzzled by your specific interest in my response.
But hey, this is Usenet.

I presume this [second] suggestion is dependent on the removal of the arrowhead
as you mentioned earlier.

No, it's predicated on "otherwise" - the case where there was not a
significant arrow point, and the only significant area exposed to the
wind is the tail.

(Correct me if I've inferred this wrong,
but you are suggesting that both the arrowhead and tail feathers be
removed, and the arrowhead be reattached at the former location of the
tail feathers with its point toward the end of the arm, and the pivot
point unaltered.)

No, just make the tail look like an arrow (pointing away from the pivot)
and you're done. No reattachment needed.

However, you do bring to mind a third way - a sort of stealth
weathervane. Take the tail =and= the head off, and reattach both them
in the opposite places (put the tail where the head was, and the head
where the tail was) and opposite directions (it would still look like an
arrow rather than something from Salvador Dali). The weathervane will
now point in the opposite direction than it did before, but since you
reversed the window dressing, it will look (to outsiders) as if nothing
had changed. Those who do not know of your secret modification will
simply see what looks like a normal weathervane, pointing into the wind.
But =you= (and anyone else you've clued in on your secret) will know
that the support beam is actually pointing in the opposite direction -
in the direction the wind is going!

Jose
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