Drag time of terminal velocity?

In summary, the conversation discusses how to determine the time and speed of an object before it reaches its terminal velocity. It is mentioned that the object will never reach the terminal velocity exactly, but it is possible to calculate the time needed for the object to reach a certain percentage of the terminal velocity. An integral can be solved for a one-dimensional, vertically downwards case with uniform gravitational field and air resistance. It is also noted that the terminal velocity may vary for different objects due to factors such as shape.
  • #1
Isawyou0
13
0
Hi all!
How can we know the time and speed of the object before it reachs the terminal veocity, it will reach that, but when?
(he's acceleration decreseases right) thanx
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If you solve the usual differential equation, the object will never reach the terminal velocity exactly. You can give the time needed until the object reaches 50%, 90%, 99%, ... of the terminal velocity. That will come out of the solution of the differential equation.

If you are just interested in the rough timescale, calculate how long an object without air resistance needs to reach the terminal velocity of the object with resistance.
 
  • #4
You could probably get really close as to when and how fast if you're looking at a perfect sphere. Everything else wobbles when it falls, thus it's terminal velocity changes with time.
 

What is drag time of terminal velocity?

The drag time of terminal velocity is the amount of time it takes for an object to reach its maximum velocity as it falls through a fluid, such as air or water.

How is drag time of terminal velocity calculated?

The drag time of terminal velocity can be calculated using the drag equation, which takes into account the object's mass, surface area, and the fluid's density and viscosity. It can also be determined experimentally by measuring the object's velocity over a period of time.

What factors affect the drag time of terminal velocity?

The drag time of terminal velocity is affected by several factors, including the object's mass, surface area, shape, and density, as well as the fluid's density and viscosity. Objects with larger surface areas and higher densities experience more drag and therefore have longer drag times.

Why is understanding drag time of terminal velocity important?

Understanding drag time of terminal velocity is important in various fields, such as aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, and engineering. It allows us to predict the behavior and performance of objects in fluids, which is crucial for designing efficient and safe structures, vehicles, and equipment.

How does altitude affect the drag time of terminal velocity?

Altitude can affect the drag time of terminal velocity due to changes in air density. At higher altitudes, the air is less dense, resulting in less drag and a longer drag time. This can be important for activities such as skydiving or designing airplanes that operate at different altitudes.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
624
Replies
22
Views
21K
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
366
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • Mechanics
Replies
19
Views
16K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Mechanics
Replies
11
Views
2K
Back
Top