A de-icer is provided and includes first and second structural layers that each include centerline and a non-inflatable edge angled with respect to the centerline, edge sealing material disposed to adhere the first and second structural layers together to form a non-inflatable edge area extending along at least the non-inflatable edge and surrounding a central area and stitching. The stitching is disposed to stitch the first and second structural layers together in the central area to form tubes. The tubes include an outermost tube which is closest to and parallel with the non-inflatable edge.

A method for de-icing or anti-icing an aircraft portion having at least one piezoelectric element fastened on the inner face of the aircraft portion includes, during a design phase of the aircraft portion, placing the piezoelectric element on an area of the aircraft portion to determine frequencies of resonance and increased dynamic coupling, and during the de-icing or anti-icing of the aircraft portion, the same piezoelectric element is excited according to the natural frequencies of the area.

According to the present teachings, an aircraft engine configured to controllably shed ice during icing conditions is presented. The engine has a member operating at a first angular velocity having a surface divided into a first ice accumulating surface configured to collect ice, and a first shadow surface configured to resist the collection of ice. A first flange is disposed between the first ice accumulating surface and the first shadow surface.

According to the present teachings, an aircraft engine configured to controllably shed ice during icing conditions is presented. The engine has a member operating at a first angular velocity having a surface divided into a first ice accumulating surface configured to collect ice, and a first shadow surface configured to resist the collection of ice. A first flange is disposed between the first ice accumulating surface and the first shadow surface.

Methods and systems are generally described that inhibit debris (such as ice) accretions and/or remove debris (such as ice) accretions from the exterior surface of an aircraft. In some embodiments, the invention is a system for an aircraft comprising: a component of the aircraft having a surface; a plurality of piezo-kinetic actuators each positioned proximate to a portion of the surface; and a control unit coupled to the plurality of actuators, the control unit configured to actuate one or more of the actuators at one or more frequencies; wherein the actuators are each configured to introduce a displacement of the surface in three dimensions to inhibit a formation of ice on at least the portion of the surface and to break up existing ice formations on at least the portion of the surface.

Methods and systems are generally described that inhibit debris (such as ice) accretions and/or remove debris (such as ice) accretions from the exterior surface of an aircraft. In some embodiments, the invention is a system for an aircraft comprising: a component of the aircraft having a surface; a plurality of piezo-kinetic actuators each positioned proximate to a portion of the surface; and a control unit coupled to the plurality of actuators, the control unit configured to actuate one or more of the actuators at one or more frequencies; wherein the actuators are each configured to introduce a displacement of the surface in three dimensions to inhibit a formation of ice on at least the portion of the surface and to break up existing ice formations on at least the portion of the surface.

A de-icing assembly includes an aircraft with an airfoil. A de-icer is disposed on a leading edge of the airfoil. A tab extends from the de-icer in an aft direction from an aft edge of the de-icer. The de-icer and the tab are adhesively attached onto an outer skin of the airfoil. A supercooled large droplet sensor is built into the tab. The supercooled large droplet sensor is positioned in a location aft of the aft edge of the de-icer.

Apparatuses for and methods of deicing aircraft surfaces, engine inlets, windmill blades and other structures. Deicing apparatuses can comprise at least one standoff coupled with an actuator and a first region of an inner surface of a skin. A standoff can act as a moment arm and can create efficient, tailorable skin bending and acceleration, breaking an ice to skin bond. Integral as well as modular leading edges can comprise deicing apparatuses.

Apparatuses for and methods of deicing aircraft surfaces, engine inlets, windmill blades and other structures. Deicing apparatuses can comprise at least one standoff coupled with an actuator and a first region of an inner surface of a skin. A standoff can act as a moment arm and can create efficient, tailorable skin bending and acceleration, breaking an ice to skin bond. Integral as well as modular leading edges can comprise deicing apparatuses.

We describe an ice protection system used for removing ice and/or other accretions from a structure. An actuator, coupled to a structure, is driven to generate vibrations in the structure. A controller drives the actuator using a signal that comprises a frequency chirp over a first period of time, and the controller controls the frequency chirp and the first period such that vibrations generated in the structure by the actuator propagate through the structure to coincide at a desired area of the structure remote from the actuator to remove ice and/or other accretions from the desired area of the structure.