Module 8: Basic Aerodynamics5 Sep 2026
minimum drag speed doesnt make sense to me
Exam question
Minimum total drag of an aircraft occurs
- A.at the stalling speed
- B.when profile drag equals induced dragCorrect
- C.when induced drag is least
Explanation
Sketch the drag curves (drag against speed). Induced drag decreases exponentially with speed. Profile drag increases exponentially with speed. Vmd (minimum drag speed) is where they meet.
Amira
asked · 5 Sep 2026
ok so i thought minimum total drag would just be wherever induced drag is at its lowest point but the answer key says its actually where induced drag EQUALS profile drag which is a completely different point on the graph?? like why would you add two things together and the minimum of the total isnt just the minimum of one of them. i think i get it but can someone check my thinking