Icing Characteristics of a Wing Behind a Propeller Wake

Abstract

Propeller-generated wakes create complex aerodynamic interactions that influence ice accretion on aircraft wings, consequently affecting aerodynamic performance. However, the effect of the propeller wake on wing icing characteristics is not well understood. This study clarifies the mechanisms and extent of propeller wake effects on wing icing by comparing the icing characteristics with and without the propeller wake. Three-dimensional quasi-unsteady simulations are employed to capture temporal changes in the droplet field and ice accretion rates caused by local and unsteady propeller wake flows. The computational results provide insights into the icing characteristics induced by aerodynamic interactions. Higher axial velocities enhance droplet impingement and heat convection on the wing. Upwash and downwash change the local effective attack angle, altering droplet impingement limits and the size and intensity of heat convection. The rotation of tip vortices creates droplet voids and dense regions, enhancing heat convection on the inside of the wing tip and leading to noticeable differences in ice formation. Consequently, ice shapes behind the propeller wake are up to 80% thicker and more irregular, leading to twice as severe degradation in aerodynamic performance of the non-wake-induced iced wing. This study highlights the need to consider propeller wake effects in wing icing analysis.