Using mechanically driven components has what effect on parasitic drag?

Using mechanically driven components has what effect on parasitic drag?

• A. Increase parasitic drag
• B. Decrease parasitic drag
• C. No change
• D. Parasitic drag varies with RPM

Answer: (A)

Using mechanically driven components adds parasitic drag because these parts must be accelerated and overcome inside the system just to operate. The power spent to overcome bearing friction, fluid resistance, and other losses in these components is energy that doesn’t contribute to the desired output, so it appears as extra drag on the rotating system. As engine or shaft speed increases, these losses generally rise, since the components resist more strongly at higher RPM. That’s why driving accessories like pumps, fans, and other mechanically linked devices increases parasitic drag.

Using mechanically driven components adds parasitic drag because these parts must be accelerated and overcome inside the system just to operate. The power spent to overcome bearing friction, fluid resistance, and other losses in these components is energy that doesn’t contribute to the desired output, so it appears as extra drag on the rotating system. As engine or shaft speed increases, these losses generally rise, since the components resist more strongly at higher RPM. That’s why driving accessories like pumps, fans, and other mechanically linked devices increases parasitic drag.