N101-038 TITLE: Innovative Concepts for Composite Leading Edge Self-Monitoring Anti/De-icing System

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Materials/Processes, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-261, H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate an innovative self-monitoring anti/de-icing system for composite leading edges.

DESCRIPTION: Aircraft aerodynamic surfaces today have a major issue with ice build-up. Ice build-up on wings causes an uneven flow of air over the wing surface resulting in an increase of drag and/or decrease of lift. With recent progress in technology, more new aircraft are using composite materials for major structural parts, such as wings or rotor blades, to save weight while improving fatigue strength. Issues arise when current de-icing solutions are applied to these composite surfaces. Composites and metals behave differently when exposed to extreme temperatures. Current thermal anti/de-icing systems work by raising temperature to melt and remove ice buildup. Overheating caused by these anti/de-icing agents can cause damage, such as delamination and micro-cracking, in the composite materials.

An innovative, self-monitoring, anti/de-icing system for composite aerodynamic surfaces, e.g. wings and rotor blades, would reduce the issues currently experienced. This system must monitor the conditions of the surface in order to detect potentially dangerous icing situations and activate the system, if necessary. To assist with repair and maintenance, the system should be self-monitoring to ensure it is properly functioning and to detect any faults or failures. The system should continuously self-monitor the health and condition of the composite structure; for example, detect foreign object damage (FOD), such as that from hail or bird strike, or excessive erosion. The system should be light in weight and utilize minimal power compared to anti/de-icing system currently being used, and contain an override to enable activation/deactivation on command.

Simulate different malfunctions and show how the system reacts. Both experimental evaluation and verification via proven computational methodologies must be demonstrated.

PHASE I: Develop an innovative concept for a self-monitoring anti/de-icing system to protect composite leading edges against icing. Demonstrate feasibility of the anti/de-icing concept.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype anti/de-icing system in a simulated representative icing environment. Validate and demonstrate the self-monitoring capabilities.

PHASE III: Transition the anti/de-icing system for implementation by Original Equipment Manufacturer's (OEM) or onto an existing platform. Prepare a complete package with a users manual, hardware and software for the system to be integrated onto Navy platforms. Provide the Navy with computational tools capable of assessing the system across a spectrum of Navy aircraft.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: With the increased use of composite materials for aircraft structures in both the military and commercial aerospace industries, this technology will have a broad application in the aerospace community where icing issues exist.

REFERENCES:
1. Botura, Galdemir and Alan Fahrner, "Icing Detection System � Conception, Development, Testing and Applicability to UAVs," Goodrich Corporation (AIAA 2003-6637)

2. Elangovan, R. and R. F. Olsen, "Analysis of Layered Composite Skin Electro-Thermal Anti-Icing System," The Boeing Company (AIAA-2008-0446)

KEYWORDS: Composites; Anti/De-icing; Leading Edge; Self-Monitoring; Low Weight; Foreign Object Damage

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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