Does the induced drag increase with speed?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that induced drag increases with airspeed for a fixed angle of attack (AOA) during takeoff. While most graphs suggest a general increase in induced drag with speed, they often vary AOA, which can mislead interpretations. For low-speed RC airplanes, induced drag is less significant during ground roll compared to the takeoff phase, where it becomes more pronounced as the pilot increases AOA by pulling back on the stick. Induced drag is approximately proportional to the square of the velocity (V²).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of induced drag and its relationship with angle of attack (AOA)
  • Basic principles of aerodynamics, particularly lift generation
  • Familiarity with flight dynamics during takeoff phases
  • Knowledge of RC airplane mechanics and performance characteristics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between induced drag and angle of attack in fixed-wing aircraft
  • Study the aerodynamic principles governing lift and drag during takeoff
  • Explore the effects of speed on induced drag using flight simulation software
  • Examine case studies on drag performance in various aircraft sizes and types
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, flight instructors, RC airplane enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the aerodynamic principles of induced drag during takeoff and flight dynamics.

MaxKang
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Does the induced drag increase with an increasing air speed for a given angle of attack?

Most graphs I found online seem to suggest that the amount of induced drag increases as the speed increases but they actually allow the AOA to vary so I was wondering for a case of fixed AOA(ground roll for take off), how the amount of induced drag will vary.

Also for low speed RC airplanes, what is the biggest type of drag on ground roll before taking off? I think I read somewhere on the Boeing website saying that for bigger aircraft, up to 70% is the induced drag for take off but I am not sure if this was related to the ground roll phase or immediately after the plane has taken off.

Thanks!
 
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For a fixed AOA, the induced drag will increase more. Also the lift will increase. The reason that they reduce the AOA is to keep lift constant for the increasing speed. They are interested in level flight with increasing speed.

During the ground roll, the induced drag would not be nearly as great as when the pilot pulls back on the stick for a take off. Pulling back on the stick pulls the nose up, increases AOA, increases lift, and causes a corresponding increase in induced drag.
 
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As a first approximation, the induced drag will be proportional to V2.
 
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Thank you so much!
 

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