Numerical Simulation Study on Predicting the Critical Icing Conditions of Aircraft Pitot Tubes
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Aircraft pitot tubes are sophisticated instruments designed to detect airflow pressure and relay this information to onboard computers and flight instruments, enabling the calculation of airspeed through the measurement of total-static pressure differences. The formation of ice on aircraft pitot tubes can compromise the acquisition of airspeed data, misguide pilots, and potentially cause catastrophic flight control failures. This article introduces a predictive methodology for identifying critical conditions that lead to icing on aircraft pitot tubes. Utilizing numerical simulation techniques, the methodology calculates the critical conditions for pitot tube icing across cruise flight regimes and atmospheric conditions, resulting in the generation of a critical condition envelope surface. By comparing these critical conditions against actual sensor data, a predictive danger zone can be established, offering an advanced warning system to ensure flight safety.
Source: Sensors
DOI: 10.3390/s24227410
Authors: Qixi Chen, Lifen Zhang, Chengxin Zhou, Zhengang Liu, Yaguo Lyu
Institution: Northwestern Polytechnical University
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,955
OpenAlex ID: W4404593744