Fluid Mechanics Flashcards
What is the definition of drag?
Resistance forces of a body travelling through a fluid, slowing it down. Acts in opposite way to motion
What are the 2 types of drag?
Surface, form
What is surface drag?
Relates to the friction between the surface of an object and the fluid environment
What do swimmers wear to reduce what?
Specialised, smooth clothing and shave off body hair to reduce surface drag
What is form drag?
The impact of fluid environment on an object
What does form drag relate to? And what do athletes do to reduce this?
Streamlining, cycling, using helmets and thin wheels
What are factors that increase and reduce drag?
The velocity, the greater the velocity, the greater the drag
The cross sectional area, large cross-sectional area = increased drag
The shape and surface characteristics, more streamlined = less drag
What is bernoullis principle?
Air molecules exert less pressure the faster they travel and more pressure when they travel slower
What is the angle of attack?
The tilt of a projectile relative to the air flow
