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Types of Drag

thrust lift weight and drag image of plane
October 14, 2024
Types of Drag
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology is a prominent voice in the aviation space. These blogs are for informational purposes only and are meant to spark discussions within the aviation industry on a variety of topics.

In aviation, the term 'drag' refers to forces that oppose the motion of an aircraft through the air. Drag is a fundamental concept in aerodynamics and a critical factor that pilots and aircraft designers must consider to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. There are several forms of drag, each with unique causes and effects on an aircraft's flight characteristics. Let's delve into them...

Parasite Drag

Parasite drag is the type of drag that does not contribute to lift generation and is further divided into three categories: form drag, skin friction, and interference drag.

  • Form Drag arises due to the shape of the aircraft. Airflow separation and the pressure differential between the front and back of the aircraft contribute to this form of drag. Streamlined designs help to minimize form drag.
  • Skin Friction is caused by the roughness of the aircraft's surfaces. As air flows over the body of the aircraft, the molecules at the surface experience a tangential force due to viscosity, which slows down the airflow, creating drag. Smooth surfaces and coatings are used to reduce skin friction.
  • Interference Drag occurs when varying air currents over the aircraft meet and interact. This is most common where different parts of the aircraft structure join, such as where the wings meet the fuselage. Careful design to ensure smooth airflow can minimize interference drag.

Induced Drag

Induced drag is like the shadow of lift; you can't have one without the other. When the wings generate lift, they also create induced drag, thanks to air moving from higher to lower pressure areas around the wing tips, forming mini whirlwinds. These whirlwinds result in a downward push of air, known as downwash, affecting the lift and contributing to induced drag. The slower the airplane, the more the induced drag, especially as it nears the stalling speed. Factors such as wing design, aspect ratio, and winglets can also influence the amount of induced drag an aircraft experience.

Wave Drag

Wave drag comes into play at high speeds when an aircraft approaches and exceeds the speed of sound. Shock waves form due to the air being unable to "get out of the way" quickly enough, leading to a sudden increase in drag. Supersonic aircraft designs, such as those with swept wings, aim to reduce wave drag.

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