Austrian Institute for Icing Sciences

𝗜𝘀 𝗜𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲? 𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀   As drones become essential in commercial and public safety applications, tackling icing challenges is crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable flight operations in adverse environmental conditions. In-flight ice accumulation on drones doesn’t just compromise safety—it also increases energy demand, reducing operational range and flight time. During the #FFG #BMK funded All-Weather Drone research project, three different ice protection systems were analysed under various icing conditions in the icing wind tunnel of RTA Rail Tec Arsenal Fahrzeugversuchsanlage GmbH to better understand their performance and impact on total power consumption of the drone.   Among the three investigated systems, the 𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗶𝗱-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 seemed to be the most promising solution. It was requiring very little power while also achieving an effective protection, resulting in almost clean rotors during operation.   The 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺, while effective at removing ice, increased the total power consumption due to its energy demands. Meanwhile, the 𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴, though energy-efficient, struggled to completely prevent ice accretion.   For more insights into our experimental investigations, see the full study here: https://lnkd.in/dAH8TQpR   All-weather Drone project was a collaborative research project by #AIIS AeroTex GmbH AIRlabs Austria ATT advanced thermal technologies GmbH Austro Control Brimatech Services GmbH EOLOGIX-PING FH JOANNEUM Meteomatics and RTA Rail Tec Arsenal Fahrzeugversuchsanlage GmbH. The project has received funding from the Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation & Technologie as part of the Austrian Aeronautics Programme TAKE OFF via the FFG Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft mbH. #Icing #IceProtection #Innovation #Drones #BreakingTheIce

𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗰𝗲: 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀   Drone technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, but one significant challenge remains: the impact of adverse weather conditions. Icing, in particular, poses a serious threat to drone operations, as it can significantly degrade performance and lead to catastrophic failures within minutes.   Our recent research as part of the 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘞𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘋𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘦 project during which this phase-locked video was created, highlights the alarming rate at which ice can accumulate on drone propeller blades. The video presents a 5-minute time-lapse. This rapid accumulation can compromise the drone's ability to maintain flight stability and control, increasing the risk of accidents.   As the drone industry continues to grow, addressing the challenges posed by icing is crucial to ensure safe and reliable operations also in adverse weather conditions.   For more insights into our experimental investigations, see the full study here:  https://lnkd.in/dAH8TQpR   𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘞𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘋𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘦 project was a collaborative research project by AeroTex GmbH ,AIRlabs Austria ,ATT advanced thermal technologies GmbH ,Austro Control, Brimatech Services GmbH, EOLOGIX-PING, FH Joanneum, Meteomatics, and RTA Rail Tec Arsenal . The project has received funding from the Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation & Technologie as part of the Austrian Aeronautics Programme TAKE OFF via the FFG Austrian Research Promotion Agency. #drone #aviation #icing #technology #safety #UAV

𝗜𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗔 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Icing encounters can lead to rapid and significant ice accumulation on drone propellers within just a few minutes. In a recent case study conducted as part of the #FFG and #BMK-funded 𝘈𝘭𝘭-𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘋𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘦 project, glaze ice formations were observed on 26-inch drone propellers at various icing conditions and operating scenarios.   These ice formations drastically degrade the propeller’s aerodynamic profile, leading to increased drag, reduced thrust, and potentially a complete loss of control.   Beyond these safety risks, icing places extra strain on motors and batteries, compromising the drone’s flight time and overall performance. Addressing these icing challenges is essential to ensure safe and reliable drone operations. For more insights into our experimental investigations, see the full study here: https://lnkd.in/dAH8TQpR   𝘈𝘭𝘭-𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘋𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘦 project was a collaborative research project by AeroTex GmbH AIRlabs Austria ATT advanced thermal technologies GmbH Austro Control Brimatech Services GmbH EOLOGIX-PING FH Joanneum Meteomatics and RTA Rail Tec Arsenal . The project has received funding from the Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation & Technologie as part of the Austrian Aeronautics Programme TAKE OFF via the FFG Austrian Research Promotion Agency #drone #aviation #icing #technology #safety #UAV

Throwback to our recent PrISM propeller icing test campaign led by AeroTex GmbH at RTA Rail Tec Arsenal , with a propeller provided by Dowty, a GE Aerospace company where this high-speed video of an ice shedding event was recorded at the astonishing framerate of 1434 fps. Our advanced analysis methods enable precise stereo reconstruction of 3D ice shedding particle trajectories, providing unparalleled insights into these critical events. (https://lnkd.in/dPC6_CPk) Stay tuned for some interesting results! The PrISM project has received funding from the Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation & Technologie as part of the Austrian Aeronautics Programme TAKE OFF via the FFG Austrian Research Promotion Agency #Aviation #PropellerIcing #HighSpeedVideo #AIIS #LetsBreakTheIce

𝗜𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗮𝘁 +𝟮𝟬°𝗖?    By using high resolution laser scanning systems, we capture the 3D shape of real ice generated in an icing wind tunnel and turn it into a printable 3D model. This model is replicated in form of artificial ice by additive manufacturing. The artificial ice can be adhered to nearly any surface — propellers, wings, fuselage, antennas, payloads, and more — allowing you to replicate the aerodynamic behavior as with real ice as often as needed. Our artificial ice shapes can be used for aerodynamic testing of icing in both wind tunnels and real flight tests, even in warm environments.   The best part? We do not need any mechanical connection and after testing is done, our artificial ice shapes can be removed without destruction, leaving your equipment ready for operation.   Recently, we successfully demonstrated artificial ice shapes in a performance test on RTA Rail Tec Arsenal s propeller test stand, using ice originally formed during an icing test 18 months ago! Even under the high forces and moments up to 2000 g generated by realistic rotational speeds of 1500 rpm, everything performed smoothly. This capability offers significant savings in time and cost while ensuring consistent, reliable testing results.    Want to learn more about how our portfolio can benefit your project? Drop a comment or visit our website at https://lnkd.in/dgPaGAw7    #Aviation #Icing  #Propeller #Test #Engineering #3Dprinting

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗢𝗳𝗳?  Today the 𝟭𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘃𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮 ✈️ is taking place in Vienna, Austria at the #BMK, the Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation & Technologie. We are excited to participate in this great event and are looking forward to the key notes and discussions by aviation experts, as well as the presentation of the new TakeOff research programme. Meet us at our booth in the Grand Meeting Hall to catch up on the latest research and development activities in #aircraft #icing. We are also looking forward to presenting the recently successfully concluded Austrian flagship icing project JOICE – Joint Austrian In-flight Icing Research Venture (https://lnkd.in/eEGCX-9N). Thanks to the Federal Ministry of Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, the FFG Austrian Research Promotion Agency, the Austrian Economic Chamber WKO, as well as the Aviation Industry Austria for organizing this outstanding event. #Aviation #Research #Innovation #Icing

𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀! ✇✈️❄ The whole PrISM consortium, including a team of our engineers, gathered at RTA Rail Tec Arsenal to test a propeller with an electrothermal IPS, designed and manufactured by Dowty, a GE Aerospace company on RTA’s propeller rig.  This challenging campaign led by AeroTex GmbH featured the first ever tests of such a large propeller at high RPM under Freezing Drizzle icing conditions. Our team was responsible for test documentation tasks, performing 3D laser scans of ice shapes, recording stereo high-speed videos of ice shedding events, and preserving and measuring shed ice particles.  For more information about PrISM visit: https://lnkd.in/dQdetqq6 The PrISM project has received funding from the Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation & Technologie as part of the Austrian Aeronautics Programme TAKE OFF via the FFG Austrian Research Promotion Agency #Aircraft #Propeller #Icing #Research #PrISM #IceShedding #FFG #BMK

Recent Participation in AIAA Aviation Forum 2024   Our team recently attended the AIAA Aviation Forum in Las Vegas, a conference focused on aviation technology. We had the chance to present seven technical papers with latest reserach results on various aspects of aircraft icing, contributing to the advancement within the field.   The forum offered a valuable opportunity to engage with researchers, engineers, and industry professionals, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange and we believe our participation has contributed to the ongoing advancements in aircraft icing solutions.   Follow us on LinkedIn and visit our homepage to stay up-to-date on our latest research and developments in aircraft icing! You can find more information about our published papers here: https://lnkd.in/dU2h_G5t   #AIAA #AviationForum #Aircraft #Icing #Research

We are pleased to share the successful completion of the 3D-ICESIM icing test campaign at the RTA Rail Tec Arsenal Fahrzeugversuchsanlage GmbH Climatic Wind Tunnel! This test campaign managed by AeroTex GmbH focused on investigating ice shapes on a generic 3D mockup of a fixed-wing UAV and an engine nacelle built by Austrian Institute for Icing Sciences. Besides pressure taps on the wing and fuselage, the model is designed to allow quick geometry changes during a test campaign. The goal of 3D-ICESIM is to improve 3D ice prediction codes, developed by Aerotex and FH JOANNEUM, and to generate valuable 3D validation data by high-precision 3D laser scanning and impingement analysis performed by AIIS. The research and testing have provided valuable insights into ice accretion and its effects, paving the way for enhanced safety and performance in aviation. Thanks to our dedicated project team for their hard work and innovation. ✈️❄️ Many thanks also to the entire 3D-ICESIM consortium for the great cooperation! Project 3D-ICESIM has received funding from the Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität, Innovation & Technologie (BMK) as part of the Austrian Aeronautics Programme TAKE OFF via the FFG Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft mbH. #Aircraft #UAV #Icing #Research #3DICESIM #FFG #BMK

Our annual company meeting was a resounding success! ❄️ ✈️   For three days, our team came together to take a deep dive into our current position, reflecting on our strengths, challenges, and opportunities. We discussed our recent accomplishments, explored potential areas for improvement, and solidified our shared vision for the future.   Through insightful discussions and collaborative brainstorming, we've emerged with a clear roadmap to continue our trajectory of growth and innovation. We're excited to accelerate our efforts and build upon our successes.   A special thanks to Thomas Jaklitsch for closing our meeting with an inspiring workshop on motivation and resilience. His interactive approach left us feeling energized and empowered to face the challenges ahead.   As a testament to our team's dedication to understanding aircraft icing, a few of our colleagues even took the plunge into the freezing cold lake to experience icy conditions firsthand.   #aircraft #icing #research #teamwork #challenge #dedication #success #growth #innovation