Aerodynamic Drag

In the context of aviation, aerodynamic drag refers to the force that opposes an aircraft's motion through the air. It is a critical factor that pilots and aircraft designers must consider as it directly impacts the efficiency and performance of an aircraft. Aerodynamic drag is composed of two primary components: parasitic drag and induced drag. Parasitic drag, also known as profile drag, is the sum of form drag and skin friction. Form drag is caused by the aircraft's shape and profile, while skin friction is due to the air's viscosity and the surface roughness of the aircraft. On the other hand, induced drag is associated with the generation of lift. As an aircraft generates lift, it also produces a vortex wake, which creates a form of drag known as induced or 'drag due to lift'. The total aerodynamic drag on an aircraft is the sum of the parasitic and induced drag. Understanding and managing aerodynamic drag is crucial for optimizing aircraft design and flight performance.
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