Characterization of superhydrophobic surfaces for anti-icing in a low-temperature wind tunnel

Christopher Swarctz, Elias Aljallis, Scott Hunter, John Simpson, Chang Hwan Choi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this study, a closed loop low-temperature wind tunnel was custom-built and uniquely used to investigate the anti-icing mechanism of superhydrophobic surfaces in regulated flow velocities, temperatures, humidity, and water moisture particle sizes. Silica nanoparticle-based hydrophobic coatings were tested as superhydrophobic surface models. During tests, images of ice formation were captured by a camera and used for analysis of ice morphology. Prior to and after wind tunnel testing, apparent contact angles of water sessile droplets on samples were measured by a contact angle meter to check degradation of surface superhydrophobicity. A simple peel test was also performed to estimate adhesion of ice on the surfaces. When compared to an untreated sample, superhydrophobic surfaces inhibited initial ice formation. After a period of time, random droplet strikes attached to the superhydrophobic surfaces and started to coalesce with previously deposited ice droplets. These sites appear as mounds of accreted ice across the surface. The appearance of the ice formations on the superhydrophobic samples is white rather than transparent, and is due to trapped air. These ice formations resemble soft rime ice rather than the transparent glaze ice seen on the untreated sample. Compared to untreated surfaces, the icing film formed on superhydrophobic surfaces was easy to peel off by shear flows.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationASME 2010 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2010
Pages303-306
Number of pages4
EditionPARTS A AND B
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
EventASME 2010 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2010 - Vancouver, BC, Canada
Duration: 12 Nov 201018 Nov 2010

Publication series

NameASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE)
NumberPARTS A AND B
Volume7

Conference

ConferenceASME 2010 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2010
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityVancouver, BC
Period12/11/1018/11/10

Keywords

  • Icing
  • Superhydrophobic surface
  • Wind tunnel

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