Induced drag coefficient (CDi) is a dimensionless aerodynamic parameter that quantifies the portion of drag generated by the production of lift on a wing or an airfoil. When an aircraft generates lift to stay airborne, it also creates a certain amount of drag as a consequence. This type of drag is known as induced drag. Induced drag occurs because of the lift generated on the wing. When air flows over the wing, there is a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces, creating lift.Â
- CL is the lift coefficient of the wing
- AR is the aspect ratio of the wing, and
- δ is the lift-induced drag factor (or induced drag factor)