Improving mechanical ice protection systems with substrate shape optimization

Mechanical and electro-mechanical de-icing systems are low-energy ice protection solutions based on fracture mechanisms. It can, however, be difficult to obtain the of an entire surface due limited propagation fractures for some This article shows how it is possible reshape substrate in order favor adhesive at ice/substrate interface. The first part paper introduces analytical beam theory approach running computations quickly, making achieve parametric optimization thickness maximize length. results were validated using FEM software tests aluminum prototype. A second method also studied this paper, topology used a 2D finite element model minimize mass proposed solution crack assessed comparison with impact. For different boundary conditions, ranges can increased by up 150% increase 50%. Using optimization, additional could reduced >60% while maintaining same performances.