The wave-drag coefficient (cd) for the supersonic flow over a flat plate is a dimensionless parameter that quantifies the wave drag experienced by the flat plate when it is subjected to a supersonic fluid flow. Wave drag is a significant component of drag in supersonic and hypersonic flows and arises due to the formation of shockwaves and other compressibility effects as the fluid velocity exceeds the speed of sound. The wave-drag coefficient cd is used to characterize and quantify the magnitude of wave drag for a flat plate in supersonic flow conditions. It depends on the angle of attack (𝛼) and the freestream Mach number (M∞).
- Wave-drag coefficient (cd)
- Angle of attack (𝛼) in rad
- Freestream Mach number (M∞)