Progress on ultrasonic guided waves de-icing techniques in improving aviation energy efficiency

Aircraft icing, in particular in-flight icing, poses serious threat to flight safety. Similarly, icing on blades of wind turbines is harmful to wind power systems as well. Therefore, the development of de-icing techniques has attracted significant attention in both Aeronautics and Wind Energy fields. Ultrasonic guided wave (UGW) de-icing technology, one of the mechanical de-icing technologies, features its light weight, low cost, drastic reduction in energy consumption, as well as its easy replacement and maintenance. Recent developments related to UGW de-icing technologies were summarized in this review, including latest studies on ultrasonic wave de-icing theory, advances in piezoelectric materials and transducers, and novel devices designed for de-icing systems. Some instructive experimental researches on ultrasonic de-icing method were introduced as well. Moreover, in particular, study on energy efficiency of ultrasonic de-icing method was introduced. Finally, some noteworthy problems, such as miniaturized transducers design, new type of the de-icing system design, and UGW de-icing mechanisms and its energy efficiency, were proposed for future investigation.