Mechanisms of de-icing by surface Rayleigh and plate Lamb acoustic waves

TL;DR

This study investigates how Rayleigh and Lamb acoustic waves induce de-icing on surfaces, revealing that Lamb waves are more effective and that wavelength plays a crucial role in optimizing ice removal processes.

Contribution

The paper provides a detailed analysis of de-icing mechanisms driven by Rayleigh and Lamb waves, highlighting the superior efficiency of Lamb waves and the importance of wavelength in de-icing applications.

Findings

Lamb waves are more effective than Rayleigh waves for de-icing.

Wavelength significantly influences de-icing efficiency.

Lamb waves can remove large ice layers in practical settings.

Abstract

Acoustic waves (AW) have recently emerged as an energy-efficient ice removal procedure compatible with functional and industrial-relevant substrates. However, critical aspects at fundamental and experimental levels have yet to be disclosed to optimize their operational conditions. Identifying the processes and mechanisms by which different types of AWs induce de-icing are some of these issues. Herein, using model LiNbO3 systems and two types of interdigitated transducers, we analyze the de-icing and anti-icing efficiencies and mechanisms driven by Rayleigh surface acoustic waves (R-SAW) and Lamb waves with 120 and 510 um wavelengths, respectively. Through the experimental analysis of de-icing and active anti-icing processes and the finite element simulation of the AW generation, propagation, and interaction with small ice aggregates, we disclose that Lamb waves are more favorable than R-SAWs to induce de-icing and/or prevent the freezing of droplets. Prospects for applications of this study are supported by proof of concept experiments, including de-icing in an ice wind tunnel, demonstrating that Lamb waves can efficiently remove ice layers covering large LN substrates. Results indicate that the de-icing mechanism may differ for Lamb waves or R-SAWs and that the wavelength must be considered as an important parameter for controlling the efficiency.