Drag and Lift

CE 335: Fluid Mechanics

California State University, Long Beach
Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Management
Problem #1:
The aerodynamic drag on a truck can be reduced by the use of appropriate air
deflectors. A reduction in drag coefficient from CD = 0.96 to CD = 0.70 corresponds to a
reduction of how many horsepower needed at a highway speed of 65 mph?
[Answer: Power saved = 58.48 hp]

Problem #2:
A rectangular wing with an aspect ratio of 6 is to generate 1000 lb of lift when it flies at
a speed of 200 ft/s. Determine the length of the wing if its lift coefficient is 1.0.
[Answer: wing length, b = 11.2 ft]
Problem #3:
A light aircraft with a wing area of 200 ft2 and a weight of 2000 lb has a lift coefficient of
0.40 and a drag coefficient of 0.05. Determine the power required to maintain level
flight.
[Answer: Power required = 65.82 hp]

CE 335: HW-7

Problem #4:
A Boeing 747 aircraft weighing 580,000 lb when loaded with fuel and 100 passengers
takes off with airspeed of 140 mph. With the same configuration (angle of attack, flap
settings, etc.) what is its takeoff speed if it is loaded with 372 passengers? Assume each
passenger with luggage weighs 200 lb.
[Answer: take off speed, U = 146.4 mph]
Problem #5:
Commercial airliners normally cruise at relatively high altitudes (30,000 to 35,000 ft).
Show how flying at this high altitude (rather than 10,000 ft for example) can save fuel
costs.
[Answer: Prove that D30000 < D10000]
Problem #6:
The drag coefficient for a newly designed hybrid car is predicted to be 0.21. The crosssectional area of the car is 30 ft2. Determine the aerodynamic drag on the car when it is
driven through still air at 55 mph.
[Answer: Drag D = 48.8 lbf]

CE 335: HW-7