Abstract:
A technique for optical measurement of a thickness of a layer on a surface uses diffuse reflections at opposite boundaries of the layer, operates on transparent, or translucent layers. The thickness is determined by computing a separation between the centers of the two diffuse reflections, and using the index of refraction of the layer, and geometric properties of a beam and detector with respect to the surface. The technique is useful for quantifying thickness of a layer of rime ice, glaze ice, frosted ice, or water, for example.
Abstract:
A method for detecting ambient conditions conducive to ice formation. The method includes the steps of measuring at least one parameter selected from a group of parameters consisting of a static pressure, a total pressure, a total temperature, a dew point temperature, and a liquid water content, and determining whether ambient conditions are conducive to ice formation based on the measured parameter.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for detecting ice particle accumulation is disclosed herein. In one exemplary implementation, a method for detecting ice is described in which a parameter within an interior volume of a heated conduit is measured. The method also includes detecting the presence of an accumulation of ice particles based on the parameter measured within the interior volume of the heated conduit.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for detecting ice particle accumulation is disclosed herein. In one exemplary implementation, a method for detecting ice is described in which a parameter within an interior volume of a heated conduit is measured. The method also includes detecting the presence of an accumulation of ice particles based on the parameter measured within the interior volume of the heated conduit.
Abstract:
A probe for measuring the thickness of frost accretion on a surface includes a plurality of measuring stages that are stacked substantially orthogonally to the base of the probe. Each measuring stage has an emitter that emits a light beam that is substantially parallel to the base and a receiver that receives the light beam after reflection on the frost.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for wind debris detection comprises a spring loaded probe that is deployed on the leading edge of an aircraft wing into an area where debris formation might impact wing aerodynamic performance. The probe travel is sensed by sensors (angular displacement, linear displacement, proximity, torque, load cell on spring, and the like), and if the sensor(s) detect that probe travel is limited then presence of debris is indicated.
Abstract:
A method for detecting ambient conditions conducive to ice formation. The method includes the steps of measuring at least one parameter selected from a group of parameters consisting of a static pressure, a total pressure, a total temperature, a dew point temperature, and a liquid water content, and determining whether ambient conditions are conducive to ice formation based on the measured parameter.
Abstract:
A method for detecting ambient conditions conducive to ice formation. The method includes the steps of measuring at least one parameter selected from a group of parameters consisting of a static pressure, a total pressure, a total temperature, a dew point temperature, and a liquid water content, and determining whether ambient conditions are conducive to ice formation based on the measured parameter.
Abstract:
Ice detection apparatus for monitoring ice accretion on aircraft surfaces, comprising an array of optical fibres which are mounted flush with an outer surface of an aircraft skin, and an intermediately located electromagnetic radiation emitter which is provided by an optical fibre. In use radiation is emitted by the emitter generally outwardly of the aircraft surface, and the layer of accreted ice diffuses the emitted radiation scattered and reflected. The diffused radiation is detected by the sensors, and the spatial distribution of the detected intensity diffused radiation about the emitter can be used to calculate the thickness of the layer of ice and the type of ice.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for predicting ice formation on and shedding from blades of an air cycle machine (“ACM”) turbine. The method comprises generating operational condition data representative of ACM turbine operating conditions using a software model of the ACM, determining an amount of ice formation on the blades of the ACM turbine, and determining an amount of ice shed from the blades of the ACM turbine. The apparatus comprises means for generating operational condition data representative of ACM turbine operating conditions using a software model of the ACM, means for determining an amount of ice formation on the blades of the ACM turbine, and means for determining an amount of ice shed from the blades of the ACM turbine. In some embodiments, the means and apparatus may also involve predicting ACM wear, based at least in part on the predicted ice formation and shedding.