Parasitic Drag

Definition

Parasitic drag refers to the resistance encountered by an airborne device as it moves through the air, which does not contribute to the generation of lift. This type of drag arises from the shape, surface roughness, and other factors that do not contribute to lifting forces, making it a critical consideration in the design and efficiency of airborne devices. Parasitic drag can significantly affect performance, especially in comparison to other forms of drag like induced drag, impacting both rigid wing and flexible kite designs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Parasitic drag consists of form drag and skin friction drag, both contributing to the overall resistance experienced by airborne devices.
2. As speed increases, parasitic drag grows significantly, making it essential for designers to optimize shapes for better aerodynamic performance.
3. For rigid wings, minimizing parasitic drag involves using smooth surfaces and streamlined shapes to enhance airflow.
4. Flexible kite designs can experience variable parasitic drag depending on how the material behaves in flight, affecting stability and maneuverability.
5. Managing parasitic drag is crucial for maximizing energy efficiency in airborne wind energy systems, as higher drag means more energy lost to resistance.

Review Questions

• How does parasitic drag differ from induced drag in terms of its impact on airborne devices?
  • Parasitic drag is different from induced drag in that it does not contribute to lift; instead, it represents resistance due to an object's shape and surface characteristics as it moves through the air. Induced drag, on the other hand, is a byproduct of lift generation and typically increases with greater angles of attack. Understanding these differences is crucial for optimizing design choices in airborne devices, as each type of drag has unique implications for efficiency and performance.
• What design strategies can be employed to reduce parasitic drag in rigid wing versus flexible kite configurations?
  • To reduce parasitic drag in rigid wings, designers often focus on creating streamlined shapes and smooth surfaces that facilitate better airflow around the structure. This might involve using airfoil designs optimized for minimal resistance. In contrast, flexible kites may require careful selection of materials and shapes that adapt during flight to minimize turbulence and separation of airflow. The ability of flexible kites to change their profile can help manage parasitic drag differently than fixed-wing designs.
• Evaluate how reducing parasitic drag could enhance the performance of airborne wind energy systems and its implications for energy capture.
  • Reducing parasitic drag can significantly enhance the performance of airborne wind energy systems by improving overall aerodynamic efficiency. When parasitic drag is minimized, these systems can operate at higher speeds with less energy loss due to resistance, allowing for better energy capture from wind currents. This efficiency translates into increased power output and operational reliability, which are critical for making airborne wind energy a more viable alternative compared to traditional methods. Thus, strategies that effectively reduce parasitic drag not only benefit performance but also support sustainability goals in energy production.

Related terms

Induced Drag: Induced drag is the drag force that occurs as a direct result of lift generation. It increases with greater angles of attack and is influenced by the aspect ratio of the wings.

Form Drag: Form drag is a type of parasitic drag that results from the shape of an object moving through a fluid. It is influenced by factors like cross-sectional area and airflow separation.

Skin Friction Drag: Skin friction drag is another component of parasitic drag caused by the friction between air and the surface of an airborne device, affecting overall aerodynamic efficiency.