Induced drag, if speed remains constant, is proportional to which of the following?

Induced drag is a type of aerodynamic drag that occurs as a byproduct of lift generation. When speed is held constant, the relationship between induced drag and lift coefficient becomes critical to understanding how drag varies with changes in lift.

Induced drag can be expressed mathematically as being proportional to the square of the lift coefficient. This relationship arises from the fundamental principles of aerodynamics, where induced drag is influenced by the intensity of the lift being generated. As the lift coefficient increases, indicating that the aircraft is producing more lift, the induced drag increases as well, specifically in relation to the square of that lift coefficient.

This means that if the lift coefficient doubles, the induced drag will not just double; it will increase by a factor of four, illustrating the quadratic relationship. This principle is essential for pilots and engineers alike to understand how lift and drag interact, especially during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing, where lift coefficients can vary significantly.

Understanding this relationship helps in optimizing performance and enhancing safety under various flight conditions.