Drag (physics)

In fluid dynamics, drag, sometimes referred to as fluid resistance, also known as viscous force, is a force acting opposite to the direction of motion of any object moving with respect to a surrounding fluid.[1] This can exist between two fluid layers, two solid surfaces, or between a fluid and a solid surface. Drag forces tend to decrease fluid velocity relative to the solid object in the fluid's path.

Unlike other resistive forces, drag force depends on velocity.[2][3] Drag force is proportional to the relative velocity for low-speed flow and is proportional to the velocity squared for high-speed flow. This distinction between low and high-speed flow is measured by the Reynolds number.

  1. ^ "Definition of DRAG". Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  2. ^ French (1970), p. 211, Eq. 7-20
  3. ^ "What is Drag?". Archived from the original on 24 May 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2011.
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