Abstract

This research pertains to a potentially deadly problem brought about by naturally occurring aircraft icing. When ice accretes (builds up) on airframe surfaces, drag and lift can easily become compromised, disturbing the center of gravity of aircraft and rotorcraft. The goal of this study is to identify the adhesion strength of ice on a bare metal surface in simulated adverse weather conditions, and evaluate its relation to ice adhesion strength trends. A testing “rig” was specially designed to gather adhesion strength data. Adhesion strength data is largely reliant on a tool known as a strain gauge. Strain gauges are placed on airfoils to detect when ice has shed by sending a signal of electricity to a relay. An increase in voltage output from the strain gauge circuit indicates the ice has shed. Four points are then found on the graph, Voltage vs. Time. These points are V0, V1, V2, and V4. These are the delta values needed to find the slope of the line of ice adhesion strength. Once these points are known, the slope is found, and through the outlined equations, the ice adhesion strength in kilopascals (kPa) is calculated. The ice adhesion strength was found to be 75kPa at temperature -8℃. This calculated result was upheld by comparing it to typical adhesion strength relationships, such as the relationship between temperature and surface. This study provides a framework for a future study where the goal would be to compare adhesion strength testing methodology of freezer ice to the methodology used for impact ice.