Aircraft Anti-Icing Systems.ppt

Aircraft Anti-Icing Systems Group 4 Leslie Mehl Annie Parsons Negative Effects of Ice Buildup Destroys smooth flow of air over wing, leading to severe decrease in lift and increase in drag forces Can change pitching moment As angle of attack is increased to compensate for decreased lift, more accumulation can occur on lower wing surface Causes damage to external equipment such as antennae and can clog inlets, and cause impact damage to fuselage and engines Considered a cumulative hazard because as ice builds up on the wing, it increasingly changes the flight characteristics Types of Ice Rime: “has a rough milky white appearance and generally follows the surface closely” Clear/Glaze: “sometimes clear and smooth but usually contain some air pockets that result in a lumpy translucent appearance, denser, harder and more difficult to break than rime ice” Mixed Ice Detection Electronic ice detection common, but can give false readings GM is developing a mass based ice detection system where ice builds up on external probe After mass of probe has increased due to additional ice, anti-icing systems are alerted and turned on This increases fuel efficiency and system life as de-icing systems are only turned on as required by conditions Types of Ice Removal Anti-Icing Preemptive, turned on before the flight enters icing conditions Includes: thermal heat, prop heat, pitot heat, fuel vent heat, windshield heat, and fluid surface de-icers De-Icing Reactive, used after there has been significant ice build up Includes surface de-ice equipment such as boots, weeping wing systems, and heated wings Propeller Anti-Icers Ice usually appears on propeller before it forms on the wing Can be treated with chemicals from slinger rings on the prop hub Graphite electric resistance heaters on leading edges of blades can also be used Windshield Anti-Icers Liquids used include: ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, Grade B Isopropyl alcohol, urea, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, sodium formate