Measurement method and results of ice adhesion force on the curved surface of a wind turbine blade

Experimental adhesion force measurements were conducted on accumulated ice on the leading edge of a scaled wind turbine blade in both glaze and rime icing regimes. An apparatus was first designed for specifically measuring the adhesion force of ice on a curved surface at climatic temperature where a vertical force was applied to the mounted structure in the test apparatus. Adhesion force measurements were measured and adhesion pressure calculated for plain and ice-mitigated test specimens. Results are presented for the increase in force of ice adhesion over a curved surface area in proportion to degree centigrade decrease in temperature.