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We have developed an original, three-dimensional icing modelling capability, called the “morphogenetic” approach, based on a discrete formulation and simulation of ice formation physics. Morphogenetic icing modelling improves on existing ice accretion models, in that it is capable of predicting simultaneous rime and glaze ice accretions and ice accretions with variable density and complex geometries. The objective of this paper is to show preliminary results of simulating complex three-dimensional features such as lobster tails and rime feathers forming on a swept wing. The results are encouraging. They show that the morphogenetic approach can predict realistically both the overall size and detailed structure of the ice accretion forming on a swept wing. Under cold ambient conditions, when drops freeze instantly upon impingement, the numerical ice structure has voids, which reduce its density.

This paper discusses, illustrates and validates a novel modeling approach capable of predicting two-dimensional ice accretion on airfoils. The external flow field around a NACA 0012 airfoil is computed using a potential approach with a panel code. In addition to calculating droplet trajectories and impingement locations on the airfoil, the model tracks the behaviour and motion of individual fluid elements on the icing surface. While the envelope of possible behaviour and motion of the elements is constrained by the macroscopic environmental and flight conditions, an intrinsic stochastic variability is present in the model, even under constant external conditions. A partial validation of the model has been successfully accomplished.