AERODYNAMICS & AERONAUTICS A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site drag coefficient Drag coefficients of various bodies Credit: NASA A dimensionless number used in aerodynamics to describe the drag of a shape. The drag coefficient, Cd, is independent of the size of the object and is usually determined in a wind tunnel. It is part of the basic drag equation: F = 0.5 × ρ × V 2 × Cd × A where F is the drag force, ρ (rho) is the air density, V is the air velocity, and A is the cross sectional area. All of these, except Cd, are directly measurable in a wind tunnel so Cd can be thought of the "fudge factor" that accounts for all of the aerodynamic peculiarities of a shape. Related entry    • drag form factor Related category    • AERODYNAMICS AND AERONAUTICS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP