Thermomechanical Phase-Field Model for Electrothermal Wing Deicing Systems

This paper addresses the challenge of ice accumulation on aircraft wings and focuses on the modeling of electrothermal deicing. Ice buildup on aircraft not only adds weight but also hampers aerodynamic performance, posing a threat to flight safety. Thus, understanding ice shedding under the effect of an electrothermal deicer is necessary. However, its modeling remains particularly challenging. This study introduces a novel model employing phase-field methods. This model incorporates phase change, liquid–solid interaction, and fracture initiation and propagation, allowing for an enriched multiphysical simulation of the complex electrothermal ice-shedding process. The paper provides an overview of existing models, details the chosen modeling of individual phenomena, discusses their coupling, outlines numerical techniques, presents benchmark tests, and concludes with a discussion of results and future prospects.