Easy Drag Experiments: Materials and Methods for Beginners

In summary, the conversation discusses possible simple drag experiments that can be conducted with limited knowledge in physics and equipment. Suggestions include using varying materials and measuring the force in a rough wind tunnel. It is noted that the most important factor in drag is the shape of an object, rather than the material it is made of.
  • #1
jerz211
6
0
Are there any simple drag experiments (one with limited knowledge in physics and expensive equipment) can conduct?

Perhaps one with which involves varying materials.
 
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  • #2
wind tunnels!
 
  • #3
Well in your previous post I mentioned dropping in water (because then you know you have a constant force of m*9.81). You could make a very rough windtunnel as well (hell you could just use some tubing/a box and a hair dryer) and then attach something to a Newton meter (or any other gadget that measure force) and measure the force for a constant wind (and then just swap out whatever you're blowing against and compare the relative forces). As was mentioned before the most important factor in drag will not be what the thing is made of but what its shape is (a metal cube and a jet fighter are both made of metal but experience substantially different levels of drag)
 

Related to Easy Drag Experiments: Materials and Methods for Beginners

1. What is drag?

Drag is a force that acts on an object as it moves through a fluid, such as air or water. It is caused by the resistance of the fluid to the motion of the object.

2. How do you measure drag?

Drag can be measured using a variety of methods, including wind tunnels, force gauges, and pressure sensors. These tools allow us to measure the magnitude and direction of the force acting on an object as it moves through a fluid.

3. What factors affect drag?

The amount of drag experienced by an object depends on several factors, including the shape and size of the object, the speed at which it is moving, and the properties of the fluid it is moving through. Other factors such as surface roughness and the presence of other objects in the fluid can also affect drag.

4. How can simple drag experiments be useful?

Simple drag experiments can help us better understand the principles of fluid dynamics and how objects interact with fluids. They can also aid in the design and optimization of various structures, such as airplanes and cars, by providing insight into how to reduce drag and improve performance.

5. What are some examples of simple drag experiments?

Some examples of simple drag experiments include dropping objects of different sizes and shapes into water and observing how they fall, using wind tunnels to test the drag of different objects, and measuring the force needed to pull an object through a fluid at different speeds.

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