GATE_AE_2027_MOCK_03_Q21
GATE 2027 Aerospace Engineering All-India Master Mock 03 (Flight Dynamics, Controls & Space Trajectories)
MCQ · 1 Mark
Flight Mechanics & Space Dynamics • Atmospheric Flight Mechanics • ISA Atmosphere & Drag Polars
In the parabolic drag polar C_D = C_{D0} + K C_L^2, the condition for minimum drag (maximum L/D) corresponds to:
(A) C_{D0} = K C_L^2 (parasite drag equals induced drag)
(B) C_{D0} = 3 K C_L^2
(C) 3 C_{D0} = K C_L^2
(D) K = 0
Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Verified Solution
### Solution: Differentiating C_D / C_L with respect to C_L yields C_{D0} = K C_L^2 for minimum drag / maximum L/D. Correct: A.