Wave drag
Article
Wave drag is resistance associated with the formation of waves by a moving body. It occurs in compressible airflow, on water surfaces, and in other media capable of supporting wave propagation.
For aircraft, wave drag becomes important near and above the speed of sound as compression waves steepen into shocks. The resulting pressure distribution creates additional drag and heating.
Ships and other watercraft produce surface waves that carry energy away, creating wave-making resistance. Hull length, speed, displacement, and shape determine the pattern and magnitude.
Design methods such as streamlining, swept wings, area ruling, slender bodies, and optimised hull forms reduce wave drag. The phenomenon is important in aerodynamics, naval architecture, ballistics, and high-speed transport.
Source details and credits
- Source / publisher: Wikipedia
- URL type: WWW
- Credits: Wikipedia
- URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_drag