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Dimensions of Drag Coefficient CD

1) The drag equation relates drag force, density, velocity, drag coefficient, and cross-sectional area. 2) Solving the drag equation for the drag coefficient results in units of mass over length times time squared. 3) Using Newton's second law and the definition of acceleration reveals that the drag coefficient is dimensionless, as expected.

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6 views1 page

Dimensions of Drag Coefficient CD

1) The drag equation relates drag force, density, velocity, drag coefficient, and cross-sectional area. 2) Solving the drag equation for the drag coefficient results in units of mass over length times time squared. 3) Using Newton's second law and the definition of acceleration reveals that the drag coefficient is dimensionless, as expected.

Uploaded by

lbro7291
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Problem 1.

35

[Difficulty: 1]

Given: Find: Solution:

Equation for drag on a body. Dimensions of CD. Use the drag equation. Then "solve" for CD and use dimensions. 1 2 FD = V A CD 2 CD = 2 FD V A F M L
3 2

The drag equation is

"Solving" for CD, and using dimensions

CD =

L L2 t
or
3 2 2

But, From Newton's 2nd law

Force = Mass Acceleration M L t


2

F = M

L t
2

Hence

CD = M L
3

=
2

1 L
2

=0

L t

The drag coefficient is dimensionless.

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