SMARTERSHIELD

Smart erosion shield for electro-mechanical de-icers

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The SMARTERSHIELD project will contribute to eliminate the hazards associated with the existence of ice on a lifting or stabilizing surface. The ice accretion increases the aircraft weight, which combined with the reduction of lift, can imply an important increase of the necessary energy to lift the aircraft. SMARTERSHIELD will consider all the possible innovative technologies and concepts that could be useful to accomplish a high efficient new smart erosion shield. Once the ice accretion is produced, the ice morphology can be determined by analysing its crystalline structure by means of a microscope and by determining its thickness (e.g. by calculating the increasing of weight). The de-icing capacity of the SMARTERSHIELD system will be experimentally evaluated by using testing machines or by actuating the system if it is self actuated, all this in a thermal and hygroscopic controlled environment to properly reproduce realistic icing conditions during the test. To maximize the deformation of the leading edge metallic skin (also named 'erosion shield'), SMARTERSHIELD will minimize the efforts generated by the mechanical actuators, and provide at the same time capabilities to control the geometry of the deformations, it is proposed to investigate from actuator technologies and materials through structural and material design, using engineering tools such as e.g. Finite Element Analysis.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Accretion of ice on aircraft wings increases weight, reducing lift and affecting manoeuvrability. Novel electromechanical de-icing technology breaks off the ice through deformations and promises integration with newer more-electric aircraft systems.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

In addition to weight and control issues, ice accumulation on aircraft also has environmental impact. The increased power needed to lift and control the plane translates to increased fuel consumption and emissions. As single point actuators, electromechanical systems have very low power requirements.

The EU-funded project 'Smart erosion shield for electro-mechanical de-icers' (http://ipo.leitat.org/smartershield/ (SMARTERSHIELD)) is developing a highly efficient and improved concept. The team is investigating actuator technologies and materials to ensure maximum deformation and control with minimal energy consumption. Aided by finite element analysis, scientists plan to deliver a fully tested prototype.

Researchers evaluated concepts based on three different phenomena (anisotropic behaviour, vibration modes and buckling) to determine which one promised the best performance of the erosion shield. Analyses led to selection of the anisotropic behaviour, which employs optimisation of materials and geometry to obtain complex deformation patterns.

The team then chose aluminium plate with triangular stiffeners and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic plate for manufacture of the mock-up. The first round of simulations and mock-up testing has been successfully accomplished. At this point, scientists are optimising the manufacturing process and the sample materials to achieve better agreement between theoretical and experimental results.

SMARTERSHIELD technology for de-icing of aircraft wings is expected to have important economic and environmental benefits. Getting rid of ice on wings will reduce aircraft load and enhance lift. In turn, this will cut fuel consumption and associated operating costs and emissions. Finally, de-icing means greater control and manoeuvrability, which translates to enhanced passenger safety for important societal benefits as well.