Apparatus and method for detecting ice

摘要

An apparatus for detecting ice includes a heat flow sensor which senses the rate of flow of heat through a member. At the same time, the temperature differential across the member is determined. Based on the temperature differential, it is possible to calculate a theoretical heat flow rate based on the assumption that there is no ice on the member. If ice is present on the surface of the member, the actual heat flow rate will be significantly less than the calculated or theoretical heat flow rate. It is contemplated that the apparatus and method of this invention will be particularly useful in conjunction with the detecting of the presence of ice on a wing of an aircraft.