"Glaze Ice" formed in flight on an airplane:
from "Effects of Ice Formations on Airplane Performance in Level Cruising Flight." NACA-TN-1598, 1948. ntrs.nasa.gov
Summary
The Basics provide "the least that you need to know" to begin the study of Aircraft Icing.
Introduction
The Basics acquaint you with the specialized terminology and concepts of aircraft in-flight icing. This is intended for engineers, scientists, and administrators newly interested in aircraft icing, or for those familiar with some but not all aspects of aircraft icing.
The Basics assume little knowledge of aircraft, and do not require math skills (there are only a few numbers that give ranges of typical values). The Basics are short and minimal, "the least that you need to know". Once you are oriented with the concepts and terms, you will be better able to ask questions and shape online searches for what you would like to know more about.
The Resources section has many options for further study.
Some limitations
The Basics are a work in progress, as there may yet be many revisions and additions. However, it may be useful "as is" to some readers.
These basics concepts by themselves will not make you a qualified aircraft design engineer, a pilot with a rating for flight in icing, or a weather scientist.
In-flight icing (only) is covered.
Topics that are specifically not included:
- Icing on the ground
- Piloting in icing weather
- Certification
While the information here may be complementary, for the topics above there is ample formal training available. I believe that there are no conflicts here with that formal training. If there are conflicts, follow your formal training, and please let me know so that I can correct things.
However, there are documents on those topics that contain more general information, and excerpts from those will be used here.
License
The Basics series is offered under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 license. See the link for what this allows you to do with it.
All images used in this The Basics series are public domain, and the source is noted below the image.
Curation
An effort has been made to use current sources. This differs from the companion "Blast from the Past: NACA Icing Publications" reviews of historical publications. The Basics series is largely independent of the rest of the "Blast from the Past: NACA Icing Publications" blog, except for the Resources. I will, however, generally use the oldest image that illustrates a concept, often from the NACA era.
Links to sources were checked at the "Updated:" date at the top of the page. Like any online resource, there may be "link rot" after that date, and then you will have to try your favorite search engine to find where it moved to.
You might find other resources with online searches, but I have only included links that I am familiar with.
Studying The Basics
It is suggested that you read the concepts in the order below.
Note that when a term introduced it is capitalized in quotes, such as "Glaze Ice". Terms are defined in context in the sections below, and there is a Terminology section available.
Each concept has a resources section, with specific further reading on the concept.
The Basics concepts
Additional Material
After The Basics
Intermediate Level Topics require mathematics and computer skills.
- Using handbook analysis methods
- Using computer icing analysis tools to produce ice shapes
- Ice protection heat requirements
Items specifically deferred to the (yet to be written) Advanced Level
- 3D analysis (including swept wings)
- Icing wind tunnel tests
- Runback ice
- Heat transfer coefficients