Find quadratic aerodynamic drag Fd = ½ ρ v² Cd A.
| Drag (N) | – |
Use this calculator for the high-Reynolds quadratic-drag model. A is the frontal area facing the flow. Cd is order 0.3 for a modern car and near 1 for a flat plate facing the wind. Air density is about 1.2 kg/m³ at sea level. The result is the force, not the power (power is Fd times speed).
ρ = 1.2, v = 25 m/s, Cd = 0.3 and A = 2.2 m² give about 248 N. Density, Cd and area must be greater than zero. This ignores lift, ground effect, and the linear Stokes drag of very slow viscous flow.
Air density (kg/m³): Fluid density. Sea-level dry air ≈ 1.2.
Speed (m/s): Speed through the fluid.
Cd: Drag coefficient, dimensionless.
Area (m²): Frontal area facing the flow.
Drag (N): Quadratic drag force in newtons.
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