3D-Printed Ice Tests Aircraft Safety

Apr-19-16 Boeing has filed a patent for 3D-printed “ice” that could be attached to the surface of planes to better determine how ice build-up affects flight performance.

During flight, ice can build up on the wings, flaps and other surfaces of the plane, affecting the shape and aerodynamics of the plane and potentially putting the aircraft in danger. To help study the effects of ice—and how to survive them—Boeing is working to create 3D-printed ice made of plastic that could be applied to the vulnerable surfaces of the plane in specific amounts. The bits of “ice” would be printed based on a computer model of the place to allow a precise fit, and would be attached with a double-sided adhesive for easy removal.

According to the team, 3D printing the ice will allow a much finer level of testing control than conventional methods (which involve putting the plane inside a super-cooled wind tunnel), while also being much less expensive and less time-consuming.

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[GIZMAG.COM]
[AEROPATENT.COM]

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