Teardrop Aerodynamics and Air Resistance Explained
A falling drop of water naturally forms a rounded front and tapered rear, achieving an incredibly low drag coefficient of 0.04. This aerodynamic shape allows air to flow smoothly around it without creating a low-pressure wake that pulls it back.
The great fall: gravity versus air
Terminal velocity: the speed limit of falling
Catching the wind: the art of the parachute
Slicing the sky: cheating drag on the ground
artiteacher Deploy parachutes and tilt wings to discover how air resistance controls terminal velocity.
Kingfisher train: The nose of Japan's Shinkansen bullet train was modeled after a kingfisher's beak to stop loud sonic booms when entering tunnels.
The shaping of an object to reduce aerodynamic drag as it moves through a fluid. In 1997, the streamlined ThrustSSC became the first land vehicle to break the sound barrier.
Which bird's beak inspired the aerodynamic redesign of Japan's Shinkansen bullet train?
What is the name of the system in Formula 1 that flattens the rear wing to reduce drag?
Which natural shape is considered the most aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of 0.04?