Systems and methods for passive deicing

摘要

Global icephobic performance of a passive deicing structure may be achieved by including one or more ice nucleating zones that are configured, preselected, and/or arranged to promote selective formation of ice. Ice nucleation zones may be configured, preselected, and/or arranged to form ice that is weakly adherent and, hence, may be removed by sufficient shear force. Ice nucleation zones typically include nucleating particles to promote selective ice formation. Passive deicing structures typically include both ice nucleation zones and ice resisting zones, arranged to facilitate ice removal by shear force. Passive deicing structures may be used on apparatuses such as vehicles (e.g., aircraft) to mitigate the effects of ice formation on exposed surfaces.

主权项

1. An aircraft comprising:
a body that includes an aerodynamic component with a leading edge and an exposed surface, wherein the exposed surface is exposed to the atmosphere; wherein the exposed surface includes a passive deicing structure including:
an ice nucleating zone that is elongated with an elongated direction oriented substantially parallel to the leading edge and having nucleating particles configured to cause ice to form on the ice nucleating zone; andan ice resisting zone that is elongated with an elongated direction oriented substantially parallel to the leading edge; wherein the ice resisting zone is separated from the leading edge by the ice nucleating zone; and wherein a wettability of the ice nucleating zone is greater than a wettability of the ice resisting zone.