Parasite drag

Parasite Drag

Parasite drag refers to the total drag beyond induced drag, which is caused by various factors, including the friction between the air moving over the aircraft structure. This type of drag increases proportionately with airspeed and is a significant factor in determining the overall efficiency of an aircraft.

Parasite drag is composed of three components: form drag, skin friction drag, and interference drag. Form drag is produced by the frontal area of the aircraft as it moves through the air. Skin friction drag occurs as air particles pass over the aircraft’s surfaces, creating friction between the air and the surface. Lastly, interference drag results from the turbulence created by the intersection of the wings and fuselage, causing airflows to interfere with each other and create additional resistance.

Reducing parasite drag is essential to enhancing an aircraft’s performance and fuel efficiency. Designers can reduce form drag by streamlining the shape of the aircraft and reducing its frontal area. Skin friction drag can be reduced by using lighter, smoother materials that create less friction with the surrounding air. Interference drag is reduced through careful aircraft design, such as mounting wings onto the fuselage in a way that minimizes turbulence and airflow interference.

Overall, parasite drag is an essential factor in aircraft design and performance, and minimizing it is critical to creating efficient and effective aircraft.