Terminal Velocity Estimator
Uses v = √(2mg / (ρ Cd A)) with constant quadratic drag, mass, projected area, drag coefficient, fluid density and gravity. Assumes a terminal force balance and ignores buoyancy, wind, changing orientation and density, compressibility and viscosity-dependent drag regimes. It does not determine whether terminal speed is reached or estimate fall height or time. Supply every parameter yourself; no environmental data or material presets are supplied. Input bounds are numerical limits, not physical validity limits. Local processing only.
A QUICK WALKTHROUGH
How to use this tool
- Enter mass, projected area and drag coefficient in the stated units.
- Supply fluid density and gravity explicitly.
- Review the simplified model speed and its assumptions.
Model terminal speed
Uses v = √(2mg / (ρ Cd A)) with constant quadratic drag, mass, projected area, drag coefficient, fluid density and gravity. Assumes a terminal force balance and ignores buoyancy, wind, changing orientation and density, compressibility and viscosity-dependent drag regimes. It does not determine whether terminal speed is reached or estimate fall height or time. Supply every parameter yourself; no environmental data or material presets are supplied. Input bounds are numerical limits, not physical validity limits. Local processing only.
v = √(2mg / (ρ Cd A))
Results use six significant digits. More displayed digits do not establish accuracy; the model depends on the supplied assumptions.
GOOD TO KNOW
Common questions
Does it predict falling time or height?
No. It computes only terminal force-balance speed under constant quadratic drag, with your mass, area, Cd, density and gravity. It ignores buoyancy, wind, changing orientation or density, compressibility and viscous-drag regimes.