In order to safeguard flight against icing threats, it is critical to understand and predict how ice accumulates on aircraft structures in various conditions. A 3D morphogenetic icing prediction code developed by Dr. Krzysztof Szilder and the Aviation Aerodynamics group at NRC has improved upon the traditional icing models used by top aerospace labs to calculate ice formation under diverse icing conditions.

Recently, the team put their code to the test by replicating simulated conditions in NRC's Altitude Icing Wind Tunnel. The model proved its accuracy, putting it in the forefront of the ice prediction field and readying it for the next step. Dr. Szilder explains that "the development and enhancement of this unique ice predictive capability will be a great asset for the aerospace industry in completing product certifications to meet increasingly stringent regulations." It can also be applied to other engineering applications and industrial sectors for ice accretion on wind turbines, transmission lines and bridge cables, as demonstrated as part of recent work performed for the new Champlain Bridge in Montreal.

In addition, the model improves our understanding of the effects of icing on aircraft aerodynamics and probe performance, which will help de-risk the development of new technologies and ultimately reduce the time to certification. With successful testing completed, the 3D morphogenetic model is ready to be licensed to a Canadian company.