ME 232 Homework Problems

Problem 1/10 Page 14, Engineering Mechanics - Dynamics, Meriam and Kraige, 4th Edition

Given: CD = D / 1/2 r v2 S

D is a force, S is an area, r is a mass density and v is a velocity.

Find: The dimensions of CD.

Dimension of CD = Force / (Mass/Length3) (Length/Time)2 Length2

                = Force / { Mass Length / Time2 }

But the units of force are equivalent to the units of mass multiplied by the units of acceleration.  The units of acceleration are length/time2.  Thus:

Dimensions of CD = Mass Length / Time2 / { Mass Length / Time2 }

CD is dimensionless.