Importance

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Abstract

A system for the detection of wing icing by monitoring variations in flexural waves transmitted through the outer plate material of an aircraft airfoil. The flexural waves in the plate of the wing airfoil are more subject to variation from the accumulation of ice on the wing than the compressional waves. The flexural waves are detected apart from the compressional waves, which tend to remain relatively constant, to provide an indication of icing. Changes in amplitude, phase or dispersion characteristics of the flexural waves are detected to indicate ice buildup, and, in one embodiment, these values are ratioed to the corresponding levels in the compressional wave in order to provide compensation for variations other than ice buildup. The ultrasonic waves may be coupled directly from a transducer to the airfoil plate or via an ultrasonic waveguide interposed between the transducer and the plate. The receiver for the ultrasonic waves to be detected may be positioned to receive direct flexural waves transmitted over a distance through the plate or flexural waves reflected from reflecting boundaries in the plate.

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First Claim