Aircraft Icing Research at NASA Glenn Research Center

Abstract

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Glenn Research Center (GRC; and its predecessor organizations) has been and continues to be a focal point for research in the field of aircraft icing. This paper provides a historical perspective on the contributions that GRC research has made to the field, as well as a synopsis of the current research being conducted at the center. The GRC’s icing research has been comprehensive, covering the characterization of the icing environment, investigations into the physics of ice accretion on aircraft surfaces, studies of the impact of icing on aircraft aerodynamics and engine performance, icing instrumentation development, and simulation of ice growth on aircraft using wind tunnels and computational methods. This research has led to improved safety for flight in icing conditions through contributions to the development of icing regulations; a greater understanding of the effects of ice accretion; and the development of experimental and computational methods to aid in the design of aircraft and aircraft subsystems (including ice protection systems) that can operate safely in an icing environment.