Drag Force Calculator
Drag Force Calculator computes drag force on an object in fluid flow using drag coefficient, fluid density, velocity, and area, with plots.
Drag Force Overview
Drag force opposes an object’s motion through a fluid, calculated using the drag equation for high Reynolds number flows:
Drag Equation: \\( F_d = \frac{1}{2} \rho v^2 C_d A \\)
Where:
- \\(F_d\\): Drag force (N)
- \\(\rho\\): Fluid density (kg/m³)
- \\(v\\): Velocity (m/s)
- \\(C_d\\): Drag coefficient (dimensionless)
- \\(A\\): Cross-sectional area (m²)
Example Calculations
Example 1: Sphere in Air
\\(C_d = 0.47\\), \\(\rho = 1.225 \, \text{kg/m}^3\\), \\(v = 10 \, \text{m/s}\\), \\(A = 0.01 \, \text{m}^2\\)
Drag Force: \\( F_d = \frac{1}{2} \times 1.225 \times 10^2 \times 0.47 \times 0.01 \approx 2.879 \, \text{N} \\)
Example 2: Car in Air
\\(C_d = 0.3\\), \\(\rho = 1.225 \, \text{kg/m}^3\\), \\(v = 20 \, \text{m/s}\\), \\(A = 2 \, \text{m}^2\\)
Drag Force: \\( F_d = \frac{1}{2} \times 1.225 \times 20^2 \times 0.3 \times 2 \approx 147 \, \text{N} \\)
Example 3: Boat in Water
\\(C_d = 0.8\\), \\(\rho = 1000 \, \text{kg/m}^3\\), \\(v = 5 \, \text{m/s}\\), \\(A = 0.5 \, \text{m}^2\\)
Drag Force: \\( F_d = \frac{1}{2} \times 1000 \times 5^2 \times 0.8 \times 0.5 \approx 5000 \, \text{N} \\)
Example 4: Plate in Air
\\(C_d = 1.2\\), \\(\rho = 1.225 \, \text{kg/m}^3\\), \\(v = 15 \, \text{m/s}\\), \\(A = 0.05 \, \text{m}^2\\)
Drag Force: \\( F_d = \frac{1}{2} \times 1.225 \times 15^2 \times 1.2 \times 0.05 \approx 828.375 \, \text{N} \\)