Enter the local pressure, freestream pressure, and dynamic pressure into the calculator to determine the pressure coefficient. This calculator helps in analyzing the pressure variations on a body in a fluid flow.
Pressure Coefficient Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the pressure coefficient:
C_p = (P - P_0) / q
Variables:
- C_p is the pressure coefficient
- P is the local pressure (pascals)
- P_0 is the freestream pressure (pascals)
- q is the dynamic pressure (pascals)
To calculate the pressure coefficient, subtract the freestream pressure from the local pressure and divide the result by the dynamic pressure.
What is a Pressure Coefficient?
The pressure coefficient is a dimensionless number that describes the relative pressures throughout a fluid flow. It is used in aerodynamics and hydrodynamics to compare the pressure on a body in a flow field to the ambient conditions of the flow. This coefficient is crucial for understanding the lift, drag, and overall aerodynamic performance of objects such as aircraft wings, car bodies, and other structures exposed to fluid flow.
How to Calculate Pressure Coefficient?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Pressure Coefficient.
- First, determine the local pressure (P) in pascals.
- Next, determine the freestream pressure (P_0) in pascals.
- Next, determine the dynamic pressure (q) in pascals.
- Next, gather the formula from above = C_p = (P – P_0) / q.
- Finally, calculate the Pressure Coefficient (C_p).
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Local Pressure (P) = 101325 pascals
Freestream Pressure (P_0) = 100000 pascals
Dynamic Pressure (q) = 500 pascals
