Numerical study of the effects of icing on finite wing aerodynamics

The sectional and total aerodynamics load characteristics of moderate aspect ratio wings with and without simulated glaze leading-edge ice are studied using a three-dimensional, compressible Navier-Stokes solver. The wing has an untwisted, untapered planform shape with NACA 0012 airfoil section. The aspect ratio of the wing is chosen to be 5. Comparisons of computed surface pressures and sectional loads with experimental data for identical configurations are given. The abrupt decrease in the wing stall angle as a result of the leading edge ice formation is numerically demonstrated.