Optimization of multi-element airfoil settings considering ice accretion effect

Abstract

Almost half of all flight accidents caused by inflight icing occur at the approach and landing phases when high-lift devices are deployed. The present study focuses on the optimization of an ice-tolerant multi-element airfoil. Dual-objective optimization is carried out with critical horn-shaped ice accumulated during the holding phase. The optimization results show that the present optimization method significantly enhances the iced-state and clean-state performance. The optimal multi-element airfoil has a larger deflection angle and wider gap at the slat and the flap compared with the baseline configuration. The sensitivity of each design parameter is analyzed, which verifies the robustness of the design. The design is further assessed when ice is accreted during the approach and landing phases, which also shows performance improvement.