Analyzing Icing Phenomenon on the ONERA M6 Wing using Computational Fluid Dynamics

A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

Accumulation of ice on cold surfaces poses significant challenges across various technical applications. Among these, aircraft icing stands out as a prominent hazard in aviation, having been implicated in several fatal incidents. The presence of ice on a wing's profile can adversely impact key aerodynamic properties such as lift, drag, stall speed, angle of attack, and more. The ONERA M6 wing, with its straightforward geometry and complex transonic flow, serves as an ideal benchmark for validating Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) applied to external flows, encompassing phenomena like turbulent boundary layers, separation, shocks, and local supersonic flow. The research involved conducting 3D flow simulations on the ONERA M6 wing. Subsequently, CFD data were employed to model the wing both with and without ice. The study delved into understanding the influence of ice accumulation on airflow by comparing the aerodynamics in scenarios with and without ice presence. To assess solver performance and explore the impact of ice formation on aerodynamics, a controlled model of ice build-up on the ONERA M6 wing was developed. The uneven morphology of ice, altering the wing's contour, presented a significant challenge in numerical models of prolonged icing. Experimental studies validated CFD results, providing a foundation for proposing adjustments and modifications to the modelling process, thereby enhancing our understanding of the intricate relationship between ice accumulation and aerodynamics.