Aircraft de-icing using high frequency vibration

在飞行过程中，飞机机翼上结冰是常见的现象。严重的积冰会导致空气动力性能的灾难性损失，飞机需要有除冰系统来防止这种可能性。目前使用的技术加热机翼表面以融化冰结合，但这具有显著的功率影响，或者通过降低发动机的效率或者通过电力需求。宾夕法尼亚州立大学最近的研究开创了使用超声波振动来打破冰键的先河。在实验室测试中，与传统的方法相比，已经证明了65%的功率节省，并且可以进一步显著提高性能。然而，在实践中实施这项技术仍然存在根本的技术障碍。南安普顿大学的研究人员开发了一种理论框架，能够模拟超声波在具有不需要的吸积材料层的结构上的产生和影响。该项目旨在探索该模型的应用，以预测使用超声波从结构中去除冰。该模型有可能带来新的物理洞察超声波除冰，这将指导未来的研究和性能改进。还将进行联合实验，以熟悉宾夕法尼亚州立大学结冰设施的能力，并启动模型验证活动。除冰系统是安全关键的，目前采用的技术的任何超声波替代品必须在所有操作条件下都是坚固和有效的。这笔拨款将促进就如何在这些方面提高技术交换意见。在南安普顿确定的一种方法是同时部署一系列超声波致动器，以提供不成比例的好处。这一通用技术已在其他地方成功地应用于不同的目的。将访问加拿大舍布鲁克大学，该技术已在那里成功实施。对该技术的复杂性和实际实施的更充分的理解将为未来的研究提案提供信息。

Ice build-up on aircraft wings during flight is a common occurrence. Severe build-up can lead to catastrophic loss of aerodynamic performance and aircraft are required to have de-icing systems to prevent this eventuality. Technologies currently in use heat the wing surface to melt the ice bond but this has significant power implications, either through reduced efficiency of the engines or through electrical power requirements. Recent research at Pennsylvania State University has pioneered the use of ultrasonic vibrations to break the ice bond. In laboratory tests a 65% saving in power has been demonstrated compared with an electrothermal approach and significant further performance improvements are possible. However, fundamental technical barriers remain to this technology being implemented in practice. Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a theoretical framework which is capable of modelling the generation and effect of ultrasonic waves on a structure with an unwanted layer of accreted material. The proposed project aims to explore the application of this model to predict the removal of ice from a structure using ultrasonic waves. The model has the potential to bring fresh physical insight to ultrasonic de-icing which will direct future research and performance improvements. Jointly conducted experiments will also be undertaken to provide familiarity with the capabilities of the icing facility at Pennsylvania State University and to prime model validation activities.The de-icing system is safety critical and any ultrasonic replacement for currently employed technologies must be both robust and effective in all operating conditions. The grant will facilitate an exchange of ideas on how the technology can be enhanced in these respects. One approach identified at Southampton deploys an array of ultrasonic actuators simultaneously in such a way as to give disproportionate benefits. The generic technique has been applied successfully elsewhere for very different purposes. A visit will be made to the University of Sherbrooke in Canada, where the technique has been successfully implemented. A fuller appreciation for the intricacies and practical implementation of the technique will inform a future research proposal.