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Coefficient of Drag Formula:
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The Coefficient of Drag is a dimensionless quantity that is used to quantify the drag or resistance of an object in a fluid environment, such as air or water. It represents the ratio of drag force to the product of dynamic pressure and reference area.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the drag coefficient for spherical particles in Stokes flow regime, where viscous forces dominate and the flow is laminar.
Details: Accurate drag coefficient calculation is crucial for predicting fluid resistance on objects, designing aerodynamic vehicles, analyzing particle sedimentation, and optimizing fluid flow systems in various engineering applications.
Tips: Enter the Reynolds Number value. The value must be valid (Re > 0). This formula is specifically valid for low Reynolds numbers (Re < 1) in Stokes flow regime.
Q1: What is the Reynolds Number range for this formula?
A: This formula is valid for low Reynolds numbers (typically Re < 1) where Stokes flow conditions apply and viscous forces dominate.
Q2: Can this formula be used for all object shapes?
A: No, this specific formula (CD = 24/Re) is derived for spherical objects. Different shapes have different drag coefficient relationships.
Q3: What are typical drag coefficient values?
A: Drag coefficients vary widely depending on object shape and flow conditions. For spheres in Stokes flow, CD decreases as Reynolds number increases.
Q4: When is this formula not applicable?
A: This formula is not applicable for high Reynolds numbers, non-spherical objects, turbulent flow conditions, or when compressibility effects are significant.
Q5: How does drag coefficient affect engineering design?
A: Drag coefficient directly impacts the resistance an object experiences in fluid flow, affecting energy consumption, speed limitations, and structural requirements in various engineering applications.