The performance of an iced aircraft wing

The goal of this thesis work has been to develop and manufacture an ice layer which was to be mounted on the tip of a scaled down wing model. The iced wing should be tested in a wind tunnel and aerodynamic comparisons should be made to the same wing without ice. The development of the ice was carried out as a modified product development process. The main differences are that there is no costumer and that the actual shape and functions of the product are more or less predetermined. The challenge was to find the best way to create the ice layer and how to mount it to the wing without damaging it or covering any pressure sensors. Product development methods such as pros and cons lists and prototypes were used to solve problems before printing the plastic ice layer in a rapid prototyping machine. Wind tunnel experiments were then conducted on the wing with and without the manufactured ice. Raw data from the wind tunnel were processed and lift and drag coefficients were calculated using mathematical equations. Finally, conclusions were drawn by comparing the results from the wind tunnel tests with theory, other works as well as CFD simulations. The ice layer was successfully manufactured and it met the target specifications. The aerodynamic performance of an iced aircraft wing proved to be considerably worse compared to a blank wing. The maximum achievable lift force decreased by 22% and an increased drag force will require more thrust from the airplane. iii Preface This bachelor project work was completed at the University of Applied Sciences in Kaiserslautern, Germany starting early March 2011 and ending early August the same year. The thesis was carried out in parallel to a Master course (of 10 ECTS) and thus corresponds to 20 ECTS in the German curriculum. The work was mainly conducted at the flow laboratory (strömungslabor) where flow experiments are performed and where the wind tunnel is placed. The parts for the ice layer and other prototypes were made using the rapid prototyping machine placed in a different building. I would like to thank Mrs Müller, Mr Girichidis and Mr Helmstädter for the assistance in handling this machine and I would also like to thank the staff at the workshop that helped me adjust the manufactured parts and the wing as well as lending me tools and equipment. Special thanks go to my supervisor …