Coupled Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation of the Electroimpulse De-Icing Process

Abstract

The electroimpulse de-icing system is an alternative process of de-icing wing slat structures made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics or aluminum. Because of the interactions between the induced magnetic field and the structural deformation, it is necessary to couple these parts. This paper presents a three-dimensional simulation as well as experiments of flat plates made of aluminum or carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics. The simulation is characterized by electrical and structural finite element calculations, which are coupled in each time step. The current propagation is based on real tests that are executed at a special test rig. A coil, which is connected to an impulse generator, is used to induce magnetic forces. Flat plates of aluminum or carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (with an additional aluminum doubler) were tested and deformation results were used to validate numerical simulations.