In flight mechanics, the total drag coefficient (often denoted as “CD” or “Cdt”) represents the combined effect of various drag components acting on an aircraft in a specific configuration and flight condition. It quantifies the total drag force experienced by the aircraft relative to its dynamic pressure.
- Cdw: This represents the total drag coefficient for the wing of the aircraft. It is a dimensionless parameter that quantifies the total drag produced by the wing.
- CD0w: This is the zero-lift drag coefficient for the wing. It represents the drag produced by the wing when there is no lift being generated. CD0w typically includes various forms of drag like parasite drag.
- C^2lw: This term represents the lift-induced drag coefficient for the wing. It is a measure of the additional drag produced due to the generation of lift by the wing.
- π: This represents the mathematical constant pi (approximately 3.14159).
- Ae: This represents the wing aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the square of the wingspan (b) to the wing area (S).