What are the main types of drag?

Drag is a critical concept in aerodynamics that refers to the resistance an aircraft faces as it moves through the air. The main types of drag are categorized primarily into parasite drag and induced drag.

Parasite drag is comprised of all the drag force that is not associated with the generation of lift. This includes form drag, which is related to the shape of the aircraft and airflow around it, skin friction drag caused by the surface roughness, and interference drag that occurs when airflow around different parts of the aircraft interacts with one another.

Induced drag, on the other hand, is directly related to the production of lift. It is a byproduct of lift generation and increases with an increase in angle of attack. At higher angles of attack, the increase in lift also leads to an increase in induced drag due to the vortices created at the wingtips.

The other options provided do not accurately capture the main types of drag in aerodynamics. Static and dynamic drag terms are not commonly used in aerodynamics; airframe and engine drag are more specific subjects that could fall under parasite drag; lift drag and weight drag are not recognized classifications within the physics of drag. Understanding the distinction between parasite and induced drag is essential for comprehending how each affects the