drag coefficient

USAGE SUMMARY

'drag coefficient' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing aerodynamics, engineering, and physics. For example, "The aircraft's designers sought to reduce its drag coefficient in order to maximize its efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sum of fiber drag coefficient and viscous drag coefficient is called as total drag coefficient.

Powder Technology

The drag coefficient decreases with increasing |K|.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Torque versus frictional drag coefficient are plotted and fitted by second-order polynomial function.

Nature

The optimization target is to obtain the minimum drag coefficient.

Chinese Journal of Aeronautics

Saab claims the car's "drag coefficient" is a mere 0.28 Cd, comparable to the best in its class.

The New York Times

The average member of the marketing department "probably doesn't care what the drag coefficient of the wing is," he says.

The New York Times

Since sharp edges favour the formation and shedding of eddies, and thereby increase the drag coefficient, one may hope to reduce the drag coefficient by streamlining the obstacle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The drag coefficient always rises as M approaches unity but may thereafter fall.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Therefore, modeling of the physical drag coefficient is required.

Advances in Space Research

drag coefficient.

Earth, Planets and Space

tangential drag coefficient.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, always define "drag coefficient" (Cd) the first time it is used, especially when addressing a non-expert audience.

Common error

Avoid using "drag coefficient" and "drag force" interchangeably. The "drag coefficient" is a dimensionless number that represents the object's shape-dependent resistance to motion, while drag force is the actual force experienced by the object, which also depends on velocity and fluid density.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drag coefficient" functions as a technical noun phrase, identifying a specific, quantifiable property in physics and engineering. As Ludwig AI states, it's usable in contexts like aerodynamics. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing vehicle and aircraft efficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "drag coefficient" is a well-established and frequently used phrase in the fields of science, engineering, and aerodynamics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for technical writing. The analysis reveals its prevalence in scientific publications, news articles, and encyclopedias, indicating its widespread understanding and application. It's crucial to distinguish between the "drag coefficient" and the actual drag force, as the former is a dimensionless value representing shape-dependent resistance, while the latter is a force that depends on additional factors. By understanding the nuances of the "drag coefficient", writers can ensure accuracy and clarity in their scientific and technical communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coefficient of drag

Reverses the order of the words, emphasizing "coefficient" while retaining the same meaning.

drag force coefficient

Specifies that the coefficient relates to the drag force, adding clarity.

aerodynamic drag coefficient

Highlights the aerodynamic aspect of the drag coefficient, useful in specific contexts.

air resistance coefficient

More specific, focusing on air as the medium causing drag.

hydrodynamic drag coefficient

Focuses on drag in fluids, specifically water.

friction coefficient

A more general term that can be related depending on the context.

form drag coefficient

Highlights the component of drag due to the shape of the object.

profile drag coefficient

Similar to form drag, emphasizes the object's profile.

resistance coefficient

Replaces "drag" with the more general term "resistance", applicable in broader scenarios.

Cd value

Uses the common abbreviation "Cd" for drag coefficient, suitable for technical contexts.

FAQs

How is "drag coefficient" used in a sentence?

The "drag coefficient" is used to quantify how much resistance an object experiences as it moves through a fluid, such as air or water. For example, "The new car design significantly reduced the "drag coefficient", improving fuel efficiency."

What does a low "drag coefficient" indicate?

A low "drag coefficient" indicates that an object is streamlined and experiences less resistance as it moves through a fluid. This is desirable in applications like aircraft and vehicle design to improve speed and efficiency.

What factors influence the "drag coefficient" of an object?

The "drag coefficient" is primarily influenced by the shape of the object and the properties of its surface. A more streamlined shape and a smoother surface generally result in a lower "drag coefficient".

What are some alternative terms for "drag coefficient"?

While less precise, terms like "aerodynamic resistance" or "fluid resistance" can sometimes be used in place of "drag coefficient", but it's important to use the term appropriate for the context.