Comparison criteria for ice accretion on an aerofoil surface

Abstract

Ice accretion on aerofoils has been researched for many years for aircraft, rotorcraft and wind turbine blades using experimental and numerical techniques. While each method has some distinct advantages, it is the combination of the two strategies that is suggested to be the best way to understand and combat the icing challenge. However, both experimental and numerical techniques have certain limitations which can affect the droplet behavior and the resulting ice profiles. Therefore, when comparing numerically predicted ice shape with experimental data for validation purposes, it is important to account for the limitations of both techniques and identify how the two profiles were compared and deemed acceptable even when the two ice shapes appear to have geometrical discrepancies. Although most of the studies highlight the sources of error in their data, almost none of them explain the strategy employed to validate and verify their results. Furthermore, while the anti/de-icing is involved, energy consumption will be one key factor to consider. There should be a criteria to compare ice shapes from the same icing wind tunnel or results from different test facilities which can further help with comparison of numerical and experimental ice shapes. It would aid to set a standard to improve the quality of our research and make progress in the industry.