Evaluation of methods for focussing elastic waves in leading edge structures

Abstract

Wings and other aircraft lifting surfaces must remain free of ice during flight
to maintain aerodynamic performance and ensure safety. Conventional deicing
approaches, such as engine bleed air, are effective but energy-intensive,
motivating the exploration of alternative low-energy approaches that employ
high-amplitude shock or vibration. A recently proposed method, demonstrated
to delaminate an ice substitute from a beam, generates a localised shock response by focusing elastic waves in both time and space using a single actuator. However, this method requires prior knowledge of the dispersion characteristics of the waves. This study compares several wave-focusing techniques and extends their application to a semi-cylindrical structure resembling an aircraft wing leading edge. A semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) model is used to predict dispersion relations and transient responses, forming the foundation for a systematic evaluation of time-reversal and related techniques. A parametric study examines the effects of excitation bandwidth, propagation distance, and structural damping on focusing performance. Two definitions of the amplification factor are introduced, showing that dispersion compensation greatly improves the localised response.The findings not only advance low-energy de-icing strategies but also provide broader insights into wave-focusing methods applicable to dispersive media in acoustics and vibration.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Davide Raffaele: orcid.org/0000-0001-9131-7262

ORCID for Emiliano Rustighi: orcid.org/0000-0001-9871-7795

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