Induced drag and different wing types - parasitic vs. induced drag

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of induced drag and parasitic drag in the context of different wing types, specifically rectangular straight wings, C-wings, and box wings. Participants explore methods for measuring and differentiating between these types of drag in a school project involving model gliders.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to understand how to separate induced drag from parasitic drag in their experiments with model gliders, questioning the need for formulas or CFD software.
  • Another participant provides formulas for calculating induced drag and parasitic drag based on lift and drag coefficients.
  • There are inquiries about the definitions and characteristics of box wings and C-wings.
  • A participant discusses the trade-offs between different wing configurations, noting that while box and C-wings aim to reduce tip vortex losses, they may also increase parasitic drag and weight, which in turn affects induced drag.
  • One participant reiterates the formulas for induced and parasitic drag, asking how to measure the overall drag coefficient.
  • A response suggests measuring drag force at a known velocity to calculate the drag coefficient.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the definitions and implications of different wing types and their associated drag characteristics. There is no consensus on the best method for measuring or calculating the drag components, and multiple approaches are discussed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about similar conditions for wing configurations and the potential impact of design choices on drag characteristics. Some participants reference external sources for further clarification.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and enthusiasts interested in aerodynamics, model aircraft design, and the physics of flight may find this discussion relevant.

sur
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Thread moved from the technical forums to the schoolwork forums
TL;DR Summary: School project about induced drag - I do not have a wind tunnel - and a comparison between rectengular straight wing, C-wing, and box wing (not airfoils)

I want to know how to derive/ separate induced drag from the parasite drag

So, I am making an experiment where I'm supposed to launch (in a fairly constant environment) model gliders with wing small aspect ratios and try to prove that box wings/ C- wings are the better option than straight wings. I have already designed a model with modular wings (symmetrical airfoil). I will measure the model's velocity and it's range.
How on earth would I differentiate between induced drag and parasite drag? Is there maybe a formula for that or do I need CFD software to calculate it or an easier option for those...?
If you have any ideas and/or ideas for improvement feel free to express them
 
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induced-600x359.jpg

After measuring the lift coefficient ##C_l## and drag coefficient ##C_d##, you can evaluate the induced drag ##C_{di}## and parasite drag ##C_{do}## this way:
$$C_{di} = \frac{C_l^2A}{\pi s^2 e}$$
$$C_{do} = C_d - C_{di}$$
source: https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/beginners-guide-to-aeronautics/induced-drag-coefficient/
 
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What are box wings and C- wings?
 
Lnewqban said:
What are box wings and C- wings?
These are names for wing shapes:
box/ closed wing (source: Pinterest)
1705214237100.png


C-wing (source: Sciencedirect.com)
1705214795622.png
 
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Thank you!

It seems that this is an act of balance among what you gain and what you lose with each configuration, assuming similar conditions.

Those two wing shapes try to reduce pressure bleed at the wing-tips, but increase area and corners, both feeding parasite drag, as well as additional weight that requires more lift, which increases induced drag.

For the box type, you have the additional problem of one plane interfering with the airflow of the other, as well as intentional different AOA for each for stall control (typical of traditional biplanes).

The internal structure of the box wing could be lighter than an equivalent monoplane thanks to the closed wingtips, while the opposite should apply to the extra weight and flexure of the C-wing.

As you see, there are many things to play with, while assuming similar travel velocity and useful load to move between two distant locations.

Please, see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasitic_drag

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lift-induced_drag

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_curve

:cool:
 
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You measure the drag force ##F_d## acting on your wing at a known velocity ##v## and then calculate your ##C_d##:
$$C_d = \frac{2F_d}{\rho Av^2}$$
 
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