Electro-mechanical Resonant Ice Protection Systems: Analysis of Fracture Propagation Mechanisms

Abstract

Recent research is showing growing interest in low-power electromechanical de-icing systems and, in particular, de-icing systems based on piezoelectric actuators. These systems use the vibrations generated by piezoelectric actuators at resonance frequencies to produce shear stress at the interface between the ice and the support or to produce tensile stress in the ice. This paper provides analytical and numerical models enabling a better understanding of the main de-icing mechanisms of resonant actuation systems. Different possible ice shedding mechanisms involving cohesive and adhesive fractures are analyzed with an approach combining modal, stress and crack propagation analyses. Simple analytical models are proposed to better understand the effects on ice shedding of the type of mode, ice thickness, or frequency with respect to cohesive and adhesive fractures.