19.4k views
0 votes
What type of wing produces the most induced drag?

User Siva Anand
by
6.9k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The type of wing that produces the most induced drag is typically the one with a low aspect ratio, which has a shorter wingspan relative to its chord length.

Step-by-step explanation:

A student has inquired about the type of wing that produces the most induced drag. Induced drag is one component of the total drag force that acts on a wing and is related to the creation of lift. It is prevalent on wings with a high aspect ratio, such as those found on gliders or high-efficiency airliners. An important factor influencing induced drag is the distribution of lift across the span of the wing. Elliptical lift distributions, typical of wings with a high aspect ratio, tend to have lower induced drag, but an abrupt change in lift can increase induced drag significantly.

Furthermore, wings with larger spans and lower chord lengths relative to their span (i.e., high aspect ratio wings) create less induced drag at the same lift compared to those with shorter spans and larger chords (low aspect ratio wings). Thus, the type of wing that produces the most induced drag is typically a low aspect ratio wing when comparing wings producing the same amount of lift.

User Tetiana Chupryna
by
8.6k points

No related questions found