Drag coefficient quantifies resistance of objects in fluid environments. Combines skin friction and form drag effects. Reference area varies by object type: frontal area for cars, wing area for airfoils
F1 cars are single-seat, open-cockpit racing vehicles with substantial wings. Constructed of carbon fiber with kevlar lining for safety. Maximum dimensions: 5.63m length, 2m width, 0.9m height
Lift coefficient (CL) relates lift to fluid density, velocity and reference area. CL depends on body angle, Reynolds and Mach numbers. Lift coefficient can be approximated using lifting-line theory
First wingsuit attempt by Franz Reichelt in 1912 from Eiffel Tower. Modern wingsuit design developed by Patrick de Gayardon in late 1990s. Bird-Man International Ltd. established in 1999 to make wingsuits accessible
Spoilers disrupt air movement across vehicle body, reducing lift and drag. Front spoilers (air dams) are common on racing cars. Passenger vehicles use spoilers primarily for styling. Active spoilers dynamically adjust based on vehicle conditions
Drag is a force opposing the relative motion of objects in fluid. Drag force depends on velocity and is proportional to velocity at low speeds. Drag force decreases fluid velocity relative to the object in its path