Finding the induced drag factor

In summary, the conversation discusses the specifications of an aircraft, including its mass, wingspan, wing surface, efficiency factor, and parasitic drag. It also mentions the assumption of a small glide angle and the difficulty in eliminating velocity and lift factors from the equation. The question at the end asks for an estimate or conclusion based on the fact that the aircraft is in almost level flight.
  • #1
Tomdickjerry
21
0

Homework Statement


An aircraft has a mass of 1100kg and a wingspan of b=9.75m. the surface of the wing is 15m2 and its span effciency factor e=0.90. the parasitic drag at zero lift of the aircraft CD0 is 0.0225. Take density of the air to be 1.225kg/m3

The aircraft has lost power and is gliding to the ground. Assume that the glide angle ϒ is small

Homework Equations


the only equation i can think of is
D=1/2pv2s(CD0+kCl2)

The Attempt at a Solution


unable to figure a way out to eliminate the velocity factor and the lift factor.

Please help! Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What can you estimate/conclude from the fact that it's almost level flight?
 
  • #3
that Lift would be equal to Weight?
 

1. What is induced drag?

Induced drag is a type of drag force that is created when a wing generates lift. It is caused by the pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing, which creates a vortex behind the wing that pulls it backwards.

2. How is the induced drag factor determined?

The induced drag factor, also known as the lift-induced drag coefficient, is determined by the wing's aspect ratio, or the ratio of its length to its width. A higher aspect ratio means a lower induced drag factor, as the longer and narrower wing creates less pressure difference and therefore less vortex behind it.

3. What factors affect the induced drag factor?

Apart from the wing's aspect ratio, other factors that can affect the induced drag factor include air density, airspeed, and wing geometry. Higher air density and lower airspeed can decrease the induced drag, while a sweptback or tapered wing shape can also reduce the pressure difference and vortex behind the wing.

4. How does induced drag affect an aircraft's performance?

Induced drag is one of the major components of total drag on an aircraft. It increases as the aircraft's angle of attack increases, which means that it can significantly impact an aircraft's performance during takeoff and landing when the angle of attack is high. A high induced drag can also reduce an aircraft's range and fuel efficiency.

5. How can we minimize induced drag?

There are several ways to minimize induced drag, such as using high aspect ratio wings, reducing the angle of attack, and implementing wingtip devices such as winglets or vortex generators. Additionally, optimizing the aircraft's design to reduce drag in all forms can also indirectly reduce induced drag.

Similar threads

How to find the induced drag factor
    • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
How to find drag polar equation of Cl vs Cd graph
    • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
7K
Calculating Lift-Drag Ratio of a Wing Under Flight Conditions
    • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
5K
Aspect ratio used in induced drag and lift calculations
    • Aerospace Engineering
Replies
6
Views
3K
Drag Estimation for a Subsonic Aircraft
    • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
How to find range and endurance
    • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Find Airspeed for Min Horsepower w/ 1800 lb Clark Y Wing
    • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Airfoil Induced Drag Energy Conservation
    • Mechanics
Replies
9
Views
4K
Convergence Error in Matlab Code for Fluid Flow Simulation
    • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
15K
Speed of Minimum Drag Homework
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top