Aerodynamic Assessment of Complex 3D Ice Shape Replications 2019-01-1936

This work introduces a novel approach allowing the detailed replication of ice shapes generated in icing wind tunnels, with a special focus on complex and strongly varying ice structures, such as ice feathers or residual ice stemming from incomplete removal of accreted ice by ice protection systems. 3D scans are used as input for the manufacturing process of the ice shape replica. The manufacturing approach itself is based on additive techniques in combination with semi-flexible materials. In contrast to existing replication techniques, this approach allows also clean areas between the ice accretions. In the present paper a quality assessment is presented by comparing the aerodynamic performance as well as the geometry of the real and the artificial ice shapes.