Comparison of extensional and flexural modes for the design of piezoelectric ice protection systems

Abstract

Many researches focus on piezoelectric ice protection systems with the objectives to develop light and low consumption electromechanical systems for de-icing. These systems use vibrations, generated by the excitation of flexural, extensional or coupled resonance modes, to produce tensile stresses in the ice or shear stresses at the interface ice/support in order to remove ice. The objectives of this work are to analyse flexural and extensional resonance modes according to important design drivers for this type of systems: resonance frequency range, generation of tensile and shear stresses, electromechanical coupling factor, damping and fracture propagation. A final comparison gives pro and cons of each mode type for each design drivers for helping the designer of piezoelectric ice protection systems.