Ice Shape Classification for Swept Wings

An important consideration for swept-wing ice shapes is the level of geometric fidelity required to accurately capture the aerodynamics. One way to help make the task of addressing this more manageable is to organize the ice shapes into a small number of classifications. These classifications are done by grouping similar ice shape geometries that also have similar iced wing aerodynamics. Ice shape classifications for airfoils are more mature and are reviewed as an example. Swept wing ice shape classifications are based on the well-established airfoil classifications and here five classifications are proposed: leading-edge roughness, streamwise ice, 3D leading-edge horn, highly 3D leading-edge horn and spanwise ridge. Recent data on swept wing icing aerodynamics is used to develop and support this classification. The development, or suppression, of the leading-edge separation vortex on swept wings without a leading-edge device is seen to be key in the classification of the highly 3D leading-edge horn.