Use of a Drag Coefficient to Calculate Drag Force due to Fluid Flow past an Immersed Solid

Fluid flow past an immersed solid results in a drag force due to the air resistance, water resistance, etc. This drag force can be calculated using values for the drag coefficient, the fluid density, the approach velocity, and the representative area (usually the frontal area) of the solid. The drag coefficient is an empirical constant that depends upon the shape of the solid body, and the Reynolds number of the fluid flow. Drag force is of interest for applications like wind force on structures and drag force due to air resistance or water resistance on moving vehicles or other moving objects. Tables and graphs are available with values of drag coefficient for various common shapes and for appropriate ranges of Reynolds number.