The normal force coefficient for a flat plate (cn) is a dimensionless quantity that measures the ratio of the normal force acting on the plate to the dynamic pressure of the fluid flow. The normal force is the component of the aerodynamic force that is perpendicular to the plate surface, and the dynamic pressure is the product of the fluid density and the square of the free-stream velocity. The normal force coefficient can be used to calculate the aerodynamic forces and moments acting on a flat plate in various flow regimes, such as subsonic, supersonic, or hypersonic flows.
- Normal force coefficient (cn)
- Chord length (c) in m
- Angle of attack (𝛼) in rad