The drag coefficient 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. The coefficient of drag provides a measure of how effectively an object interacts with the air around it. It quantifies the resistance encountered by the object as it moves through the air, with higher values indicating greater drag.
where:
- : Coefficient of drag (dimensionless)
- : Drag force (in newtons or pounds)
- : Air density (in kilograms per cubic meter or slugs per cubic foot)
- : Velocity of the object relative to the air (in meters per second or feet per second)
- : Reference area (such as frontal area or wing area) (in square meters or square feet)