Artificial Ice Assembly for Aircraft Engine Inlet Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to better understand and simulate the effects of ice accumulation on aircraft propulsion system components, particularly on the leading edges of inlet vanes, to assess the performance and efficiency of thermal anti-icing systems and determine their necessity.
Innovation Solution
An artificial ice assembly is attached to the leading edges of aircraft propulsion system components, which is designed to mimic ice accumulation, allowing for the monitoring of operational parameters and testing of de-icing systems without causing damage to the turbine engine. The artificial ice is configured with a hollow body, support structure, and can be made from brittle materials, and is attached using tape to simulate ice ingestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If artificial ice is attached to the aircraft propulsion system component, then the simulation of ice accumulation conditions is improved, but the risk of damaging the turbine engine is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses artificial ice constructed from brittle materials (ice, acrylic, polycarbonate, plexiglas) that replicates the shape and properties of natural ice accumulation on leading edges. This copy allows realistic simulation of ice ingestion conditions while being controllable and replaceable, eliminating the risk of permanent engine damage from actual ice testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The artificial ice is designed as a disposable or replaceable component that can be easily attached and removed. When the artificial ice becomes damaged or worn during testing, it can be replaced without affecting the engine, allowing repeated testing cycles with fresh artificial ice pieces.
2Reliability
If artificial ice covers the leading edge, then the ice accumulation simulation is improved, but the attachment complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial ice is attached to the leading edge using tape (adhesive bonding) rather than mechanical fasteners. This simple attachment method covers the leading edge surface effectively while minimizing structural complexity and allowing easy installation and removal of the artificial ice pieces.
3Strength
If the artificial ice is configured with hollow body and support structure, then the structural integrity is improved, but the material usage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial ice uses a hollow body with internal cavity and support structures (ribs, struts, or internal framework) that provide structural integrity while minimizing material usage. This porous or hollow construction allows the artificial ice to maintain its shape and withstand testing conditions without requiring solid material throughout the entire volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The artificial ice combines brittle outer shell material (ice, acrylic, or polycarbonate) with internal support structures, creating a composite construction that optimizes both strength and material efficiency. The combination of materials allows the hollow body to achieve required structural integrity while using minimal material.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for an aircraft propulsion system. This aircraft propulsion system assembly includes an aircraft propulsion system component with a leading edge. The aircraft propulsion system assembly also includes artificial ice attached to the aircraft propulsion system component. The artificial ice at least partially covers and extends longitudinally along the leading edge.