The drag polar is a graphical representation of an aircraft’s drag characteristics at various angles of attack and airspeeds. It typically consists of a curve that shows how the aircraft’s drag coefficient () changes with changes in angle of attack () or airspeed.
The formula for the drag coefficient () itself is not a simple mathematical equation but is derived from a combination of various aerodynamic factors, including parasite drag and induced drag. The total drag coefficient () is often divided into these components:
- is the total drag coefficient.
- represents the parasite drag coefficient (non-lifting drag components like form drag and skin friction).
- represents the induced drag coefficient (drag due to the generation of lift).