DRAG 2
Drag
Drag defines the inhibitory force of resistance that acts in the inverse direction of motion.
Most aircraft flights get affected by two types of drag that encompass the parasite drag and the
induced drag. The former draws its naming from the fact that it reduces flight efficiency without
acting to facilitate flight success (Raymer, 2013). On the other hand, the latter draws its name
‘induced’ from its induction by the origination of lift in vessel wings.
Form drag and the resistance of skin or skin friction define the two elements that make up
the parasite drag to resist flight success. Interruption and disturbance to the streamline flow result
in the development of form drag. Because of associated features, it is easier to eliminate parasite
drag during the process of designing airplanes. This allows the elimination of elements of
resistance in the design structure (Pilotfriend Training, 2016). In general, the reduction and
weakening of parasite drag is more easily achieved through streamlining.
Skin friction, the element of parasite drag that mainly occurs on the body surface of
airplanes remains the most challenging to minimize. Although surfaces may appear flat and void
of irregularities, this is usually not the case as revealed through magnification lenses. To
decrease skin friction, the design of airplanes should employ the use flat finishes on plane
surfaces, glossiness, and the riddance of bumpiness, irregularities and protrusions like those of
rivet heads on plane surfaces (Pilotfriend Training, 2016). All the considerations for eliminating
parasite drag focus on shape design.
The production of induced drag occurs in the process of the production of required lift by
wings. The quantity of lift generated by the wings determines the magnitude of induced drag.
Thus, short wings designed with large chords result in higher levels of induced drag as opposed
to the case of long and thin wings. Two approaches remain efficient in reducing induced drag.
