Prediction of Icing Effects on the Stability and Control of Light Airplanes Conference Paper uri icon

abstract

  • The accumulation of ice on aircraft in flight is one of the leading causes of general aviation accidents, and to date only relatively sophisticated methods based on detailed empirical data and flight data exist for its analysis. A useful tool for a basic analysis of icing effects on airplane performance, stability, and control is an accurate yet simplified dynamical simulation model, based upon relatively simple date for airplane configuration, propulsion system, mass properties, and icing data. This paper develops such a tool, and applies it to the investigation of stability and control characteristics, and climb and descent performance of a representative light aircraft in icing conditions. Empirical data and DATCOM methods were used to develop a linear time-invariant, six degree-of-freedom state-space model of a Cessna 208. Validation of the model was accomplished by comparison to flight data for a Cessna 208. To investigate the effect of ice accretion on stability and control characteristics, climb maneuvers, and descent maneuvers, existing icing data for a light aircraft of similar configuration was incorporated into the model. It is assumed here that the icing accretion is fully developed, and configurations of wing icing alone; horizontal tail icing alone; and combined wing and horizontal tail icing were analyzed using the component build-up method. Results of analysis and simulation test cases presented in this paper are limited to the pitch axis, where the most detrimental icing effects are typically experienced. It is shown that the approach developed in this paper is capable of demonstrating the sensitivity of drag and lift to leading edge ice accretions, along with the expected detrimental effect on climb performance, and the effects on pitch stability.

name of conference

  • AIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference and Exhibit

published proceedings

  • AIAA Atmospheric Flight Mechanics Conference and Exhibit

author list (cited authors)

  • Lampton, A., & Valasek, J.

citation count

  • 3

complete list of authors

  • Lampton, Amanda||Valasek, John

publication date

  • August 2005