Aerodynamic profile drag

Abstract

Higher awareness of aviation sustainability and environmental impact creates more research on profile drag reduction. The basic principles of aerodynamic profile drag are described and its role within the total drag. The boundary layer is defined using mathematical and physical principles of fluid dynamics. There are two types of movement inside the boundary layer: laminar and turbulent. In these, their impact on profile drag is analysed. The profile drag of a wing has two sources: form drag and friction drag. Applications with the most impact, throughout history, on both types of drag reductions were reviewed. Because most of the total drag comes from friction, researchers focus more on it compared to form drag. The significant way of reducing friction drag is postponing the transition of laminar flow into turbulent. The control of laminar flow became crucial for reducing friction drag. In the last two decades, European Union supported multiple projects concerning laminar flow control. These advancements in the field are starting to get implemented and tested on new aircraft by manufactures.