Fluid dynamics: drag coefficient and pressure at the stagnation point.

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SUMMARY

The drag coefficient (c_d) is defined as the drag force (F_d) divided by the product of the pressure at the stagnation point (P') and the area (A) perpendicular to the flow, expressed mathematically as c_d = 2F_d / (ρv²A). To determine the pressure at the stagnation point, Bernoulli's equation for incompressible fluids is applied, leading to the conclusion that if the pressure far from the object is considered zero, the stagnation pressure can be accurately calculated. This relationship illustrates that the drag coefficient quantifies the kinetic energy lost due to friction and turbulence at the stagnation point, where dynamic pressure converts to static pressure.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Bernoulli's equation for incompressible fluids
  • Knowledge of drag force and its calculation
  • Familiarity with the concept of stagnation pressure
  • Basic principles of fluid dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Bernoulli's equation in fluid dynamics
  • Explore the relationship between drag coefficient and flow characteristics
  • Investigate the effects of different shapes on drag coefficients
  • Learn about computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for drag analysis
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happyparticle
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TL;DR
Pressure at the stagnation point of an incompressible fluid.
Hi,
In my textbook the author say that the drag coefficient is the drag force divided by the pressure at the stagnation point time the area perpendicular to the stream.
##c_d = \frac{2F_d}{\rho v^2 A}##

To get the pressure at the stagnation point I'm using Bernoulli for an incompressible fluid. If both ends are at the same level and knowing that the velocity at the boundary of an object (a sphere for example) is null. Bernoulli equation is now:

##\frac{u^2}{2} + \frac{P}{\rho} = \frac{P'}{\rho}## Where P' is the pressure at the stagnation point.
If the pressure far from the object is 0. We get exactly the pressure at the stagnation point used in the drag coefficient.

If this above is correct why exactly the pressure far from the object is 0?
 
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Cd represents the percent of the kinetic energy of the airstream that is wasted in friction and turbulence.
At the stagnation point, the whole dynamic pressure becomes static pressure.
 

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