Explanation of Variables

In our program, we use multiple equations to simulate drag and its effects on objects in flight. These equations use variables that can be confusing to one who has not studied them. This section is designed to explain these confusing variables. The general drag equation is D = CD * S * 1/2rV^2. In this equation, D is representative of drag. Drag is the force which acts parallel to the relative wind opposite to the direction of flight. The next variable is the coefficient of drag (CD). This is the number used to model all of the complex dependencies of drag on shape inclination and some flow conditions. The variable following is S. This is the surface area of the object being tested. ‘r’, or air density, is the number of air particles per cubic decimeter. V is the velocity of the object in flight, or speed from its starting point to its end point. Another drag equation we used is to determine skin friction being created on the object in flight. This is called Viscous Drag. The equation is VD = V * v * d. ‘VD’ is the viscous drag and ‘V’ is the velocity. The ‘v’ is the viscosity, or fluidity of the air the object is flying through. The ‘d’ is the distance the air will travel over the object, or how much of the actual surface area the air truly touches.




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