What is the force of wind resistance on a sign attached to a vehicle?

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The discussion focuses on calculating the wind resistance force on a sign attached to a vehicle using the formula D = 1/2 * C_D * r * v^2 * A. The sign's area is given as 42.672 m^2, and the vehicle's speed is approximately 35.76 m/s. The user estimates air density at 1.229 kg/m^3 and the drag coefficient (C_D) at 1.28, resulting in a calculated force of 42,929 N (or 9,651 lbs). However, another participant points out that this value seems excessively high, suggesting a more realistic force should be in the 150 to 200 lb range. The calculation appears to have errors that need addressing.
Taiki_Kazuma
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Okay, so here's the thing...

D=\frac{1}{2}*C_D*r*v^2*A

I need to find the Force pushing against a sign that is attached to a vehicle.

The area (A) of the sign is 60"X28" which is 42.672 m^2

The velocity (v) that the vehicle will be moving is roughly 80 miles per hour which converts to 35.7632 \frac{m}{s}

The next 2 I'm not sure about...

Air density (r) is 1.229 \frac{Kg}{m^3}?
and
C_D (Coefficeitn of friction) of this sign (which the broad side will be hitting the wind head on) is 1.28?

So I did all this calculation and got

42929 N which is 9651 lbs. That is a hell of a lot of force. I was wondering if I did all this correct...please let me know. Thanks
 
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Taiki_Kazuma said:
The area (A) of the sign is 60"X28" which is 42.672 m^2
There's your error.
 
I would expect it to be in the 150 to 200 lb range.
 

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