The Locus of the apices of projectile trajectories under constant drag

Abstract

We present an analytical solution for the projectile coplanar motion under constant drag parametrised by the velocity angle. We found the locus formed by the apices of the projectile trajectories. The range and time of flight are obtained numerically and we find that the optimal launching angle is smaller than in the free drag case. This is a good example of problems with constant dissipation of energy that includes curvature, and it is proper for intermediate courses of mechanics.