In aeronautics, wave drag is a component of the aerodynamic drag on aircraft wings and fuselage, propeller blade tips and projectiles moving at transonic and supersonic speeds, due to the presence of shock waves. [1]

Wave drag is caused by the formation of shock waves around the aircraft in supersonic flight or around some surfaces of the aircraft whilst in transonic flight. Whilst in cruise, most civil jet aircraft fly in the mach .75 to .85 speed range.

Jul 21, 2022 · Wave drag is associated with the formation of the shock waves. The magnitude of the wave drag depends on the Mach number of the flow. Ram drag is produced when free stream air is brought inside the aircraft.

Jul 19, 2018 · Wave drag is caused by the formation of shock waves around the aircraft in transoni or supersonic flight. As air flows from the supersonic region in front of the shockwave, to the subsonic region behind the shockwave, it separates and becomes turbulent.

Wave Drag. Wave drag is associated with the formation of shock waves, which are irreversible thermodynamic processes, in high-speed flight. It is described in more detail in Chapters 4 and 8.

The shock waves lead to a rapid increase in drag, both due to the emergence of wave drag, and also because the pressure rise through a shock wave thickens the boundary layer, leading to increased viscous drag.

Oct 26, 2022 · A supersonic challenge: ‘wave drag’ Pressure waves form in front of the aircraft as it accelerates in the air until they coalesce into a strong shock wave. Those shock waves—which are responsible for sonic booms—generate drag as they interact with aircraft surfaces.

Mar 19, 2025 · Wave drag occurs when airplanes approach the speed of sound. At near-Mach speeds, shock waves will form. These shock waves will expose the airplane to resistance. And like with the other types of drag mentioned above, wave drag slows down airplanes.

Oct 14, 2024 · Boost your understanding of aerodynamics with this guide to parasite, induced, and wave drag. Learn how these forces impact flight performance and how aircraft designs minimize drag.

Jul 28, 2022 · If the object moves through the air at speeds near the speed of sound, shock waves are formed on the object which create an additional drag component called wave drag. The motion of the object through the air also causes boundary layers to form on the object.