Numerical simulation of ice accretion on airplane surface

Abstract

Certifying a transport airplane for the flights under icing conditions requires calculations aimed at definition of the dimensions and shapes of the ice formed on the airplane surfaces. Up to date, software developed in Russia for simulation of ice accretion and authorized by Russian certifying supervisory authority, is absent. The paper describes methodology IceVision recently developed in Russia for calculations of ice accretion on airplane surfaces. This methodology is implemented in CFD software FlowVision used by numerous companies and universities in Russia and abroad. The methodology differs from known approaches to simulation of ice accretion. In particular, changing the ice shape is calculated with use of technology VOF. This technology assumes calculations of continuous ice growth accompanied by local rebuilding the computational mesh. The implemented mathematical model provides capability to simulate formation of rime (dry) and glaze (wet) ice. Numerical solutions of validation test problems performed using methodology IceVision are demonstrated.Certifying a transport airplane for the flights under icing conditions requires calculations aimed at definition of the dimensions and shapes of the ice formed on the airplane surfaces. Up to date, software developed in Russia for simulation of ice accretion and authorized by Russian certifying supervisory authority, is absent. The paper describes methodology IceVision recently developed in Russia for calculations of ice accretion on airplane surfaces. This methodology is implemented in CFD software FlowVision used by numerous companies and universities in Russia and abroad. The methodology differs from known approaches to simulation of ice accretion. In particular, changing the ice shape is calculated with use of technology VOF. This technology assumes calculations of continuous ice growth accompanied by local rebuilding the computational mesh. The implemented mathematical model provides capability to simulate formation of rime (dry) and glaze (wet) ice. Numerical solutions of validation test problems pe...