Talk:Ram pressure
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[edit] ram pressure not just supersonic
I challenge the assertion that "ram pressure" can only exist during supersonic flow. I would define "ram pressure" to be equivalent to the dynamic pressure of the flow, equal to (1/2) x (density) x (velocity)^2 in the incompressible regime, and defined by the total pressure/static pressure compressible relation in the compressible regime (Ma > 0.3). - Fyre4ce
- Fyre4ce: you are absolutely correct and the article is misleading. It needs to be re-written totally. Luckily it is a short one! -- David W. Hogg 16:37, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
[edit] ram pressure and buoyancy
Not a Physics student here. Just to add this: if any body can pressure any fluid, then the concept of ram pressure is strongly connected to the one of buoyancy, isn't it right? This should be mentioned and further explained in the main article, if my observation is correct. And, if it isn't, maybe it should be made clear as well.
- No, this is not strongly related to buoyancy, because ram pressure does not require gravitational forces, while ram pressure requires only relative motion. -- David W. Hogg 16:37, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
[edit] ram pressure vs viscous drag
This article should mention and distinguish ram pressure from viscous drag. The example at the end with the hand in the fluid may be dominated by viscous drag, not ram pressure. -- David W. Hogg 16:37, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
- Just replaced that example with a more correct example (wind on body). -- David W. Hogg 16:45, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
[edit] etymology
Naive readers might find a brief explanation of the term's origin to be helpful. (I.e. "pressure" is clear, but "ram" needs to be clarified.) -- Gary Marcus, 16:48, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
