Affiliations: [a] Department of Robotics and Mechatronics, AGH –
University of Science and Technology, Krakow, Poland
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Andrzej Mlyniec, Department of Robotics
and Mechatronics, AGH – University of Science and Technology, al. A.
Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland. Tel.: +48 12 617 31 16; Fax: +48 12 634
35 05; E-mail: mlyniec@agh.edu.pl
Abstract: The performance of many mechanical structures highly depends on
weather conditions in region of operation. One of the main limiting factors of
their performance in cold regions is the icing process. Icing of structures can
be a reason of mechanical and electrical failures and can be dangerous for
people working closely to, for instance, rotating wind turbine blades. To
prevent de-icing process an inspection system informing about the possibility
of collecting ice on surface of operating structures is of particular interest.
The following work considers a numerical modeling approach and experimental
investigations of the ice detection and de-icing process. The proposed
numerical model is based on the cohesive-zone approach used to simulate the
delamination at the ice/aluminum interface. Model parameters are specified in
terms of fracture energy as a function normal and shear deformation at the
interface. A linear elastic traction separation law prior to damage and
progressive degradation of the material stiffness after failure is assumed. The
ice detection and removal is accomplished by ultrasonic waves excited by the
piezoelectric transducers. The experimental results for aluminum plate with ice
layers are presented. The results confirmed possibility of icing identification
by means of piezoelectric transducers, although ice removal effectiveness
depends on the thickness of ice layers. Finally, a proposal of a new deicing
adaptive system is given.
Keywords: Wave propagation, deicing, adaptive system
