Quasi-3D Multi-Step Ice Accretion Simulation

Abstract

The present study assesses a multi-step procedure to perform quasi-3D ice accretion simulations for a 22.5 min failed ice protection system condition. This procedure is based on a 2D ice accretion code (Lewice 2D LEWINT) to predict the ice growth along a two-dimensional section of a three-dimensional body. The solution of gaseous phase of the external flow is obtained through a commercial RANS solver using the SA turbulence model. The water collection efficiency is obtained using an Eulerian scheme and, for each new time increment on the ice accretion simulation process, the computational mesh is re-generated and the external flow updated using patched mesh concept. The results of the simulated ice shapes for a 3D swept wing for an icing exposure time of 22.5 min (divided in 5 time steps of 270 seconds) are compared to the experimental ice shapes. In addition, results obtained using different numerical approaches are presented as well. These approaches are: Lewice 2D stand alone (potential flow solution for the external flow) for 5 times steps, Lewice 2D stand alone using automatic time step and Aeroicing 2D using a single step. The results achieved for the failed ice protection system case showed good overall agreement in terms of horn’s vertical extent, angle and location, however, ice shape horizontal extent related to the wing leading edge showed to be poorly predicted.