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Fluid Mechanics: Drag Coefficient Data

As mentioned earlier, the shape of an object can have an effect on the drag. Below is data on a flat plate that has the flow normal to the plate and the flow parallel to the plate to show how orientation can change the shape which in respect will change the drag on the object.

drag coefficient data for a flat plate

In addition to shape, Reynolds number can have an effect on the drag on an object due to the fact that as Reynolds number becomes higher the boundary layer will shift from a laminar flow to a turbulent flow. Refer to the data below to determine the drag coefficient for a variety of situations.

Reynolds number effect of drag coefficient for various shapes

Also, the Mach number has influence on the drag on an object due to the fact that it can be used to determine the influence of the fluid compressibility factor if it is a compressible fluid. Typically if the Mach number is below 0.5 then the compressibility of the fluid can be considered negligible, however as the Mach number passes that value the compressibility factor becomes more influential. Refer to the data below.

subsonic effects of mach number of drag coefficient
supersonic effects of mach number of drag coefficient

Finally, surface rough can have an influence on drag, especially in the turbulent area of the boundary layer. Refer to the data below to see the roughness effects on a sphere.

Effects of Surface roughness on the drag coefficient

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