What Is the Drag Coefficient of a Missile Compared to a Torpedo?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the drag coefficients of missiles and torpedoes, comparing their aerodynamic and hydrodynamic properties. Participants explore the factors influencing drag, including geometry, medium density, and flow characteristics, while also addressing practical applications and design considerations for minimizing drag.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a missile generally has a lower drag coefficient than a torpedo due to operating in less dense air compared to water.
  • Others argue that the drag coefficients of missiles and torpedoes can be the same if their geometries are identical, emphasizing that drag is influenced by the medium in which they operate.
  • One participant notes that the drag coefficient is a function of geometry and is independent of the medium, while drag itself is affected by the medium's density.
  • There are discussions about the optimal shapes for minimizing drag, with references to tapered designs and tear drop shapes being more efficient.
  • A participant raises questions about the specific design features of a towfish and how they relate to achieving low drag, including the shape transitions and fin design.
  • Some participants mention the importance of laminar flow and the Reynolds number in determining drag characteristics.
  • There are inquiries about computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications for analyzing drag, with discussions on the assumptions required for such analyses.
  • A participant expresses confusion about calculating drag coefficients and seeks clarification on relevant formulas and parameters.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between drag coefficients and the mediums of air and water, with no consensus reached on whether missiles inherently have lower drag coefficients than torpedoes. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal design features for minimizing drag in various applications.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of calculating drag coefficients, noting the dependence on geometry, flow conditions, and medium density. There are references to unresolved assumptions and the need for empirical measurements in different media.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in fluid dynamics, aerospace and marine engineering, and those involved in the design of objects intended to minimize drag in various environments.

  • #31
ok dude, you have gone far enough being stupid.
drag can be calculated experimentally.
and the drag coefficient can be obtained from von karmen integral if you have the velocity profile, which can be accurately assumed from the flow conditions.
and the drag coefficient can also be calculated using the drag formula, provided you have the value of drag.

and phusllllesssssee, DO NOT say that drag coefficient changes with velocity, infact no coefficient does so, drag coeff entirely depends on geometry relative to flow.
think yourself dude, if the drag coefficient changes, what's its use??

next time you comment anything, make sure you are fully prepared

and sorry for last time, i didnt mean that stupid thing in any offensive manner and neither now
 
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  • #32
Dear i<3math :

In fluid dynamics drag is the resistance offered by the fluid to the motion of a body. Drag is a force that depends on velocity, coefficient of drag(which is different for different geometries), density of the medium(fluid) in which the body is moving and the maximum cross-sectional area of the body exposed to the fluid. Drag can be calculated using standard formula

compare the formula given to you -->R = (1/2)DA(rho)v**2

with the standard formula -->drag = [Cd*density*(velocity^2)*plan area]/2

you can find that the resistance force R = Drag(D) [in Newton],

Cd = Coefficient of drag = D

rho = density (for air it is 1.225 Kg/m**3) & V = velocity (m/s)

velocity here is the relative velocity between the body and the fluid

I think now you can calculate the drag force on the given body
 
  • #33
howw to caliculate drag on a javelin missile..?
 
  • #34
how to caliculate drag on a javelin missile.?
 

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