Piezoelectric-Actuator De-Icing Array Design Based on Structural Vibration Modes

Abstract

Mechanical vibration-based de-icing technology using piezoelectric actuators has demonstrated the features of low-energy consumption and nonthermal concepts in combating icing. The research on these de-icing methods presents challenges as the guidelines for piezoelectric-actuator arrangement on structures are not well established during the design stage of a de-icing system. A piezoelectric-actuator array design framework is established to give a solution for the determination of its arrangement in actual applications. The concept of placing piezo actuators according to the structural vibration modes of the substrate is first obtained by theoretical analysis. Then the influence of the dimensions and position of the piezo actuator are researched on a scale based on the half wavelength of the vibration modes. The framework for the piezo-actuator array design, based on structural vibration modes, is developed within the constraints of those parameters influencing its behavior and control of the adhesive bonding-layer thickness. The detailed piezo-actuator array is determined based on the array-design framework and is also verified by experimental measurements and de-icing tests. We further demonstrate the usefulness of the designed piezo-actuator array and the corresponding array design frameworks through the occurrence of cracks and delamination of ice on the leading-edge structure under different icing cases in an ice wind tunnel.