Drag coefficient of an object in freefall in air

In summary, the conversation was about a project on the terminal velocity of a badminton shuttlecock and finding its drag coefficient. The problem was that the project had a low budget and they were using a simple method of dropping the shuttlecock from a window and filming it. They needed help figuring out how to calculate the drag or drag coefficient using this method. Some possible solutions were suggested, such as using a force measuring device or calculating the drag force using known variables.
  • #1
owen.b3zz3r
2
0
We are doing a project on the terminal velocity of a badminton shuttlecock and also have to find the drag coefficientof it. The problem that i have is that we are doing this very low budget I.E. throwing the shuttlecock from a window and filming it, now if i am correct to find the Cd we need to know the drag and to find the drag we need to know the Cd can anyone help me find out how to work out either from the method that we used if it is possible at all. thank you Owen Berry
 
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  • #2
Can you show some work/formulas?
 
  • #3
If you drop the shuttlecock from high enough then it will come very close to terminal velocity. At that point the drag force equals weight.
 
  • #4
You do it the same way this is done in any wind tunnel. You figure out a way to measure the drag force on the model while it is in the moving air. That way you now only have one unknown, the Cd. Perhaps if you put it at the end of a fish scale or other force measuring hand held device, you can get some crude numbers for the drag force. You would then know the temperature, the speed and the force. From there on out it's simple calculations.
 
  • #5
thanks for that fred
 

FAQ: Drag coefficient of an object in freefall in air

1. What is the drag coefficient of an object in freefall in air?

The drag coefficient of an object in freefall in air is a dimensionless quantity that measures the resistance or drag force experienced by the object as it falls through the air. It is represented by the symbol "Cd" and is dependent on various factors such as the shape, size, and speed of the object, as well as the properties of the fluid (in this case, air) it is falling through.

2. How is the drag coefficient of an object in freefall in air calculated?

The drag coefficient of an object in freefall in air is calculated by dividing the drag force (Fd) experienced by the object by the product of the air density (ρ), the object's cross-sectional area (A), and the square of its speed (V). In mathematical terms, the drag coefficient (Cd) can be represented as Cd = Fd / (0.5 * ρ * A * V^2).

3. What factors affect the drag coefficient of an object in freefall in air?

The drag coefficient of an object in freefall in air is affected by several factors, including the shape and size of the object, its speed, the properties of the fluid (air) it is falling through, and the presence of any external factors such as turbulence or surface roughness. For example, a streamlined object with a smooth surface will have a lower drag coefficient compared to a bulky object with a rough surface.

4. How does the drag coefficient of an object in freefall in air impact its motion?

The drag coefficient of an object in freefall in air has a significant impact on its motion. As the drag coefficient increases, the drag force experienced by the object also increases, thereby slowing down its motion. This is due to the fact that a higher drag coefficient means a higher resistance to the object's motion through the air. On the other hand, a lower drag coefficient allows the object to fall at a faster speed.

5. Can the drag coefficient of an object in freefall in air be changed?

Yes, the drag coefficient of an object in freefall in air can be changed. The drag coefficient is largely dependent on the shape and size of the object, so altering these factors can affect the drag coefficient. For example, by changing the shape of an object to a more streamlined and aerodynamic design, the drag coefficient can be reduced, resulting in a faster fall through the air. Additionally, external factors such as adding a parachute or increasing the air density can also influence the drag coefficient.

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