The pitching moment coefficient (CM) is another important dimensionless quantity used in aerodynamics to describe the pitching moment acting on a body, typically an airfoil or wing, in a fluid flow. It is a crucial parameter in understanding the stability and control characteristics of an aircraft.
- CM = Pitching moment coefficient
- M = Actual pitching moment acting on the body
- q∞ = Freestream dynamic pressure (a measure of the kinetic energy of the fluid flow)
- S = Reference area of the body (usually the wing area for airfoils)
- l = Reference length (usually the moment reference length)