Analysis of the mechanical behavior of thin ice layers on structures including radial cracking and de-icing

In this paper multiple radial cracking in thin ice layers is studied which occurs when applying mechanical de-icing systems to aircraft structures. Brittle crack propagation is investigated based on the example of an ice layer adhering to an aluminium plate under static and dynamic normal loading. The finite element method is used in combination with cohesive zones to study the influence of the ice layer thickness, the out-of-plane displacement, and the cohesive parameters on the radial cracking process as well as on the dynamic behavior and de-icing of the structure.