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The Induced Drag Coefficient is a dimensionless parameter that describes a relation between the coefficient of the lift and the aspect ratio. It represents the drag generated as a result of lift production by an airfoil or wing.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The induced drag coefficient is calculated by subtracting the profile drag coefficient from the total drag coefficient, isolating the drag component specifically related to lift generation.
Details: Accurate calculation of induced drag is crucial for aircraft design, performance analysis, and optimization of wing configurations to minimize drag and improve fuel efficiency.
Tips: Enter the total drag coefficient and profile drag coefficient as dimensionless values. Both values must be valid non-negative numbers.
Q1: What factors affect induced drag?
A: Induced drag is primarily affected by wing aspect ratio, lift coefficient, and wing planform shape. Higher aspect ratios generally reduce induced drag.
Q2: How does induced drag relate to lift?
A: Induced drag is directly related to lift production - as lift increases, induced drag also increases due to the vortices created at wingtips.
Q3: What is the difference between induced drag and profile drag?
A: Profile drag results from skin friction and form drag, while induced drag is specifically caused by the production of lift and the resulting wingtip vortices.
Q4: Can induced drag be eliminated?
A: Induced drag cannot be completely eliminated as it's inherent to lift production, but it can be minimized through wing design optimization.
Q5: How does wing aspect ratio affect induced drag?
A: Higher aspect ratio wings typically produce less induced drag for the same amount of lift, which is why gliders and high-altitude aircraft have very long, narrow wings.