Automatic De-Icing Plane Wings Inspired by Frogs

Automatic De-Icing Plane Wings Inspired by Frogs
Mar-26-15
A new textured material inspired by the skin of poisonous frogs could eventually lead to airplane wings able to de-ice automatically.

Currently, airplane wings are sprayed with antifreeze to prevent ice build-up, which takes time, uses a great deal of antifreeze, and is harmful to the environment. In an effort to offer a more efficient solution, Konrad Rykaczewsk of Arizona State University has developed a layered method that would allow the plane to release antifreeze on demand. The system would include two extremely thin layers sprayed on the wing of the plane: an inner layer infused with antifreeze and an outer, porous layer that is exposed to the air. When the outer layer freezes, the pores would fill with ice and make contact with the antifreeze layer, in turn melting the ice.

Rykaczewski's team plans to test the material with artic drones to determine the "optical arctic frog skin."



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[FOXNEWS.COM]
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