d'Alembert's paradox

English

Alternative forms

• D'Alembert's paradox

Etymology

Observed in 1752 by French mathematician Jean le Rond d'Alembert.

Proper noun

d'Alembert's paradox

1. (fluid dynamics) The contradiction that, for incompressible and inviscid potential flow, the drag force is zero on a body moving with constant velocity relative to the fluid.

Synonyms

• hydrodynamic paradox