Induced drag relation with speed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between induced drag and speed, specifically examining how induced drag and the induced drag coefficient change with varying speeds. Participants explore the underlying mechanics of drag forces in the context of airfoil design and performance, touching on both theoretical and applied aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the assertion that induced drag changes with a factor of 1/V² and the induced drag coefficient (Cdi) changes with a factor of 1/V⁴, suggesting that their own manipulation of the drag formula indicates an inverse relationship with V² instead.
  • Another participant asserts that the drag coefficient does not change with speed, as it encompasses all factors influencing drag except for density, reference area, and speed.
  • A participant acknowledges the complexity of drag mechanisms, distinguishing between profile drag and induced drag, and notes that induced drag is related to airflow around the wingtip.
  • One participant elaborates on the relationship between induced drag and lift force, proposing a mathematical expression that connects induced drag to the lift force and suggesting that Cdi is proportional to the lift force.
  • Another participant reiterates that the drag coefficient generally does change with speed, but acknowledges that there are scenarios where this change can be neglected.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between induced drag, speed, and the drag coefficient. There is no consensus on the exact nature of these relationships, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the factors influencing induced drag and Cdi.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various assumptions and conditions regarding the drag formula and the influence of lift on induced drag, but these assumptions are not universally agreed upon. The discussion highlights the complexity of drag mechanisms and the potential for varying interpretations of the relationships involved.

Owells
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Hi everyone. I was wondering if you guys could explain me why I saw people say that:
Induced drag changes for a factor of 1/V2
Induced drag coefficient for a factor of 1/V4

If I don't make any mistakes, Drag = 1/2 rho * S * V² * Cd.

Manipulating the formula I find, 1/Cd = 1/2 rho * S * V² * Drag so here we can see that Cd inversely proportional to V², not V⁴.
And I still find that Drag is proportional to V² so why it's different with Induced Drag and Cdi ?
 
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The drag coefficient doesn't change with speed. It includes everything that influences drag EXCEPT density, some predefined reference area, and speed.
 
Yes, maybe I misspoke, I know that drag is influenced by the design of the airfoil ect but let's pretend that we study an airfoil, I learnt that the drag formula was the same that the lift formula. So I don't understand why Induced drag change for a factor of 1/V² and why Cdi for a factor of 1/V⁴
 
Owells said:
... so why it's different with Induced Drag and Cdi ...
There are two different forms of drag mechanism.

The profile drag is due to airflow passing the wing, that also generates lift.

The induced drag is due to airflow around the wingtip, the end of the wing. That unwanted flow is normally from below the wing, to above the wing.
 
I understand better now.

The induced drag ##F_{di}## is ##\frac{1}{2} \rho C_{di}A_i v^2##. We already said ##C_{di}## includes everything that influences the drag force but ##\rho A_i## and speed. The lift force influences the induced drag force. No lift force, no induced drag force. Double the lift, you will [approximately] double the induced drag force. If this is what we observed then ##C_{di}## is proportional to the lift force ##\frac{1}{2}\rho C_L A_L v^2## or:
$$F_{di} = \frac{1}{2} \rho \left(C_{di*} \frac{1}{2}\rho C_L A_L v^2\right) A_i v^2$$
$$F_{di} = \frac{1}{4} \rho^2 C_{di*} C_L A_L A_iv^4$$
Where ##C_{di*}## is a coefficient including everything that is affecting the induced drag force excluding the lift coefficient, reference areas, density, and speed.
 
jack action said:
The drag coefficient doesn't change with speed.
In general it does, but there are problems where we neglect this.
 
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