摘要 |
An electro-active polymer (EAP) surface (10) having a plurality of actuators (20) adapted to prevent the formation of ice on an external surface (230), such as a leading edge of an aircraft (100). The EAP surface (10) may also be adapted to remove ice formed on the external surface (260). The actuators of the EAP surface (10) may be oscillated to prevent and/or remove ice from the surface of an aircraft (100). A signal generator (30) may be used to individually oscillate the actuators (20) in a first mode to prevent the formation of ice(230) and a second mode to break up ice formed on the EAP surface (10). The signal generator (30) may oscillate all of the actuators (20) at the same frequency, may individually oscillate the actuators (20) to form a pattern on the EAP surface (10), or may individually oscillate the actuators (20) to form a wave along the EAP surface (10). The actuators (20) may be dimple actuators, wrinkle actuators, and/or bump actuators. 4813-9719-2975.6 |