An Advanced Aircraft Deicing Analysis: Supercooled Liquid Dynamics under Ultrasonic Frequency and Surface Roughness Effects

Structural icing presents a significant engineering challenge, prompting extensive research into preventive measures. Traditional solutions, such as high-power systems and anti-icing chemicals, face complexities due to supercooled water droplets freezing, increasing weight, drag, and de-icing power requirements. This study introduces a novel approach combining ultrasonic frequency vibrations (UV) with piezoelectric (PZT) actuators and explores surface roughness variations on a superhydrophobic surface. Conducted in a controlled chemistry lab environment, surface roughness was determined through optical imaging, and static and dynamic drop tests for a 2mm droplet were recorded using a Photron FASTCAM SA.1 at ambient and supercooled temperatures. A cryogenic setup with precise temperature control was developed, examining heights up to 61 cm and frequencies up to 51 kHz to determine optimal parameters. Insights from experiments at Argonne National Laboratory and previous project work informed the study, emphasizing ultrasonic/high-frequency actuation for atomization and droplet dynamics at temperatures below -10°C. The study also utilized Abaqus FEA to validate the frequency response function (FRF) of the PZT attached to a plate. The methodology involved adjusting frequency (as single, sweep and arbitrary waves), amplitude, and velocity parameters, with aluminum as the substrate for accuracy and reliability. This research aims to tackle structural icing through the innovative combination of ultrasonic and PZT actuators, exploring the impact of surface roughness and droplet dynamics during the water-to-ice transition. The custom-built cryogenic environment with ultrasonic wave actuation using disk actuators offers promising solutions for more efficient and cost-effective de-icing methods.