Discrete Particle Modeling of 2-D Ice Accretion and its Experimental Verification

This paper discusses, illustrates and validates a novel modeling approach capable of predicting two-dimensional ice accretion on airfoils. The external flow field around a NACA 0012 airfoil is computed using a potential approach with a panel code. In addition to calculating droplet trajectories and impingement locations on the airfoil, the model tracks the behaviour and motion of individual fluid elements on the icing surface. While the envelope of possible behaviour and motion of the elements is constrained by the macroscopic environmental and flight conditions, an intrinsic stochastic variability is present in the model, even under constant external conditions.

A partial validation of the model has been successfully accomplished. Although there are some discrepancies between experimental and predicted accretion shapes, especially for large and wet accretions, the overall agreement, as determined by a quantitative comparison method, appears to be at least as good as that achieved by traditional models.