What is induced drag?

Induced drag is the drag that results as a byproduct of the generation of lift in an aircraft. It is specifically related to the angle of attack of the wings. When an aircraft's wings create lift, they also produce vortices at the wingtips due to the pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the wings. These vortices cause a secondary flow of air that opposes the aircraft’s forward motion, thereby creating drag.

As the angle of attack increases, the lift produced by the wings increases, but so does the induced drag. This is because greater lift at higher angles of attack leads to stronger vortices and more turbulence. Therefore, induced drag is most significant at lower speeds and higher angles of attack, particularly during climbs and maneuvers. Understanding this relationship is crucial for pilots and aerodynamics engineers alike, as it directly impacts aircraft performance and efficiency.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept of induced drag; they refer to different types of drag experienced by aircraft or other aerodynamic bodies.