A Computational Geometric Parameter Optimization of the Thermomechanical Deicing Concept

Ice formation on aerodynamic surfaces is a safety-related issue in aviation. Thermal, mechanical, or hybrid systems are used to prevent or eliminate ice formation. To increase energy efficiency, new methods are being researched and tested, using new materials. This article aims to investigate in detail the geometrical parameters of a novel thermomechanical deicing concept based on the shape memory effect. The thermomechanical behavior of a shape memory alloy wire embedded in an elastomer can be described, using the transformation expansion coefficient. The approach includes the nonlinear phase transformation and the linear expansion of the alloy. Simulation results using the above approach are compared with experimental results. In addition, a parameter study of the geometric quantities is presented, where the individual effects of these quantities are investigated assuming that there is a block-like ice layer on the surface. The results for the behavior of the SMA show promising results in terms of describing the thermomechanical behavior of the wire. However, deviations are still observed in the thermal behavior of the embedding matrix.