Parasitic Drag
In the context of aerospace engineering, parasitic drag, also known as non-lifting drag, is the sum of all the forces that act against the forward motion of an aircraft during flight. It is a significant factor in the overall performance of an aircraft, affecting its speed, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability. Parasitic drag is composed of three main components: form drag, skin friction drag, and interference drag. Form drag, also known as pressure drag, is caused by the shape of the aircraft and the air pressure differences around it. Skin friction drag is caused by the friction between the air and the surface of the aircraft. Interference drag occurs when the airflow around different parts of the aircraft interacts, causing turbulence. The total parasitic drag on an aircraft increases with the square of its speed, making it a critical factor in the design and operation of high-speed aircraft.
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