Calculating drag coefficient for complex shape

In summary, the conversation is about two students working on an honors project for a Computer Science class to find the aerodynamic drag coefficient of virtual 3D shapes. They initially planned to use a specific physics engine, but it does not calculate air resistance for meshes. They have been searching online and asking for ideas, but have only found complex formulas or physics emulators that may not be suitable for their project. They are now looking into using computational fluid dynamics, but it may require a supercomputer or may not be as effective for turbulent flow situations. The main question remains on how to calculate the aerodynamics of complex shapes.
  • #1
tswanson4444
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Me and a friend at school are doing an honors project for a Computer Science class. We're trying to find the aerodynamic drag coefficient of complicated 3D Shapes entirely virtual. We started out the project with a specific physics engine in mind. It turned out this engine "Bullet Physics" doesn't calculate air resistance for meshes. We've been looking online and asking around but it seems that we only come by really complex formulas that work in specific cases only or physics emulators that wouldn't do the job.

TLDR:: Does anyone have any ideas on how to calculate the aerodynamics of complex shapes?
 
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  • #2
tswanson4444 said:
Me and a friend at school are doing an honors project for a Computer Science class. We're trying to find the aerodynamic drag coefficient of complicated 3D Shapes entirely virtual. We started out the project with a specific physics engine in mind. It turned out this engine "Bullet Physics" doesn't calculate air resistance for meshes. We've been looking online and asking around but it seems that we only come by really complex formulas that work in specific cases only or physics emulators that wouldn't do the job.

TLDR:: Does anyone have any ideas on how to calculate the aerodynamics of complex shapes?
Yeah, but most of these codes run on supercomputers. What you are talking about is called computational fluid dynamics (CFD):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computational_fluid_dynamics

CFD works well for certain kinds of problems, but a lot of situations involving turbulent flow are solved more easily by testing models in a wind tunnel.
 

1. What is the drag coefficient for a complex shape?

The drag coefficient for a complex shape is a dimensionless quantity that represents the ratio of the drag force experienced by an object to the product of the dynamic pressure and the projected area of the object.

2. How is the drag coefficient calculated for a complex shape?

The drag coefficient for a complex shape can be calculated using experimental measurements, analytical calculations, or computational simulations. In general, the calculation involves determining the total drag force and the relevant parameters such as the fluid density, velocity, and surface area of the object.

3. What factors affect the drag coefficient for a complex shape?

The drag coefficient for a complex shape is affected by various factors such as the shape and geometry of the object, the fluid properties (e.g. density and viscosity), the velocity of the fluid, and the orientation of the object with respect to the flow.

4. How does the drag coefficient vary for different complex shapes?

The drag coefficient can vary significantly for different complex shapes. Generally, shapes with smoother surfaces and streamlined profiles tend to have lower drag coefficients compared to shapes with rough and irregular surfaces. Additionally, the drag coefficient can vary depending on the aspect ratio, angle of attack, and other specific features of the shape.

5. What are some practical applications of calculating the drag coefficient for complex shapes?

The drag coefficient is an important parameter in the design and optimization of various objects and systems, such as aircraft, vehicles, wind turbines, and sports equipment. It can also be used to assess the aerodynamic performance and efficiency of different shapes and designs, and to evaluate the effects of drag on the movement and stability of objects in fluid flows.

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