A Multi-Region CFD Model for Aircraft Ground Deicing by Dispersed Liquid Spray

Abstract

The aircraft ground deicing (AGD) process is a mandatory step before taking off in a cold climate. The development of CFD (computational fluid dynamics) tools to simulate AGD could help the industry reduce its costs and limit pollution. Previous works have modelled some parts of the AGD process. Building on these previous works, this paper presents a three-dimensional (3D) CFD algorithm to simulate the process in full scale. The algorithm comprises a multi-region model where a Lagrangian method solves the spray particle equations, and an enthalpy–porosity approach with an Eulerian method simulates the ice melting. The multi-region approach is verified in this paper through a spray-tip penetration (STP) test. The STP predicted using the multi-region model had 99% agreement with the STP predicted using a Lagrangian method. Therefore, the multi-region technique correctly modeled the particle momentum between the two regions. This paper also presents a numerical calibration of the permeability coefficient for the extended enthalpy–porosity technique in the context of AGD. The numerical calibration of the permeability coefficient will enable future parametric studies of the AGD process.