Resistive Force of a Fluid

The Fluid Resistance Force calculator computes the resistive force of a fluid at low speeds based on the velocity and a resistivity factor.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (k) - This is the constant of proportionality for the resistive force
• (v) - This is the velocity of the object

Fluid Resistivity Force (F): The calculator returns the force in newtons.  However this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

The equation for the resistive force of a fluid at low speeds is:

   F = k•v

where

• F is the force of fluid resistance a low speeds
• v is the body's speed
• k is the fluid resistivity factor in kg/s

Sources

• Young, Hugh and Freeman, Roger.  University Physics With Modern Physics.  Addison-Wesley, 2008. 12th Edition, (ISBN-13: 978-0321500625 ISBN-10: 0321500628 ) Pg 156, eq 5.9