Drag is the second aerodynamic force. It resists the forward motion of any object: plane, car, truck, boat, fish, or bird. The shape of the object determines the amount of drag produced. Objects that are streamlined produce the least amount of drag. Streamlining has additional advantages of reduced engine power necessary of movement, less fuel required, and overall increased performance and maneuverability of objects in motion. However, not all drag is detrimental.

There are four kinds of drag. First is friction drag. It occurs next to the surface of an object. It affects all vehicles.

The second type of drag is form drag. Air flowing past an object breaks away from the surface to form little swirling pockets of air called eddies. These take energy from the object and slow it down. It occurs with non- streamlined objects.

The third kind, induced drag, affects only planes. The fourth kind occurs only when planes fly faster than the speed of sound.

Web Hosting Provided By The National Business Aviation Association.

Explore Space ... Not Drugs!
Hear what astronauts have to say about staying drug-free.
Last modified: Tue May 6 17:23:58 PDT 1997

Copyright © 1997 by Cislunar Aerospace, Inc. All Rights Reserved.