What Are Lift and Drag Coefficients?

Thread starter barca12345
Start date Aug 17, 2014
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Coefficient Drag Drag coefficient Lift

In summary, the lift coefficient is a dimensionless number that represents the amount of lift generated by an object in a fluid flow, while the drag coefficient represents the amount of drag force experienced by an object. These coefficients are important in determining the performance of an aircraft in flight, with higher lift coefficients resulting in more lift and lower speeds, while higher drag coefficients require more power to maintain speed. The shape and angle of attack of an object also greatly affect these coefficients, with streamlined shapes and certain angles producing lower coefficients.

Aug 17, 2014

barca12345

Can someone please explain the lift coefficient and drag coefficient in simple terms?

Thanks.

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Aug 17, 2014

voko

Have you tried Wikipedia? What's wrong with it?

FAQ: What Are Lift and Drag Coefficients?

What is lift coefficient?

The lift coefficient is a dimensionless number that represents the amount of lift generated by an object in a fluid flow, such as air or water. It is calculated by dividing the lift force by the product of the fluid density, flow velocity, and the reference area of the object.

What is drag coefficient?

The drag coefficient is a dimensionless number that represents the amount of drag force experienced by an object in a fluid flow, such as air or water. It is calculated by dividing the drag force by the product of the fluid density, flow velocity, and the reference area of the object.

How do lift and drag coefficients affect flight?

Lift and drag coefficients are crucial in determining the performance of an aircraft in flight. A higher lift coefficient means that the aircraft can generate more lift, allowing it to stay in the air at lower speeds. On the other hand, a higher drag coefficient means that the aircraft will experience more resistance, requiring more power to maintain its speed.

How do lift and drag coefficients vary with different shapes?

The shape of an object greatly affects its lift and drag coefficients. Generally, streamlined shapes tend to have lower drag coefficients, while flat or blunt shapes have higher drag coefficients. The lift coefficient can also vary depending on the shape and orientation of an object, with certain shapes producing more lift than others.

How do lift and drag coefficients change with different angles of attack?

The angle of attack, which is the angle between the object's reference line and the fluid flow, has a significant impact on the lift and drag coefficients. As the angle of attack increases, the lift coefficient also increases until it reaches a maximum point, after which it begins to decrease. The drag coefficient also increases with the angle of attack, reaching a maximum point before eventually decreasing. This relationship is known as the lift and drag curves, and it differs for different objects and shapes.