Opportunity Restricted to U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents

Icing research is an interdisciplinary program involving basic and applied research in physics, aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, structural dynamics, and instrumentation relevant to the above disciplines.

Creative solutions for aircraft icing problems are sought in several areas. The first one concerns computer codes that predict both the growth of ice on unprotected aerodynamic surfaces and the performance of ice protection systems. Codes involve heat transfer, thermodynamics, and separated and reattached flows, all validated by experiment. An area of particular concern is the evaluation of heat transfer behavior and boundary layer development on surfaces with large roughness elements. Applications include analysis of fixed wing vehicles, rotocraft and propulsion systems. Ice shedding models are also of interest for rotorcraft and propulsion systems.

New techniques are also under investigation for testing both full scale and subscale aircraft and engine components in icing tunnels. Work involves development of techniques for testing aircraft components, engine induction system and internal flow path components, engine inlets, propellers, and rotors. Work is also needed to support the development of aerodynamic and thermodynamic icing scaling laws for both fixed and rotating airfoils and development of high altitude to low altitude test techniques for full scale engine testing.

We also perform instrumentation research on ice detectors, ice thickness meters, particle-sizing laser instruments, liquid and/or ice water content measurements, and instrument calibration standards.

A continuing area of interest is in the field of remote detection of icing condition. This could encompass technologies utilizing ground-based, in-flight, or satellite mounted detection methods. The research could include areas ranging from actual detection to data analysis to the human interface.

The last area focuses on the development of computer codes that predict how an icing encounter will affect an aircraft's performance and stability and control characteristics for ultimate use in flight simulators and pilot trainers.

Icing research is conducted at John H. Glenn Research Center using the Icing Research Tunnel, the Icing Physics Flow lab, the Propulsion Systems Laboratory and on icing research aircraft.

Location:
Glenn Research Center
Cleveland, Ohio

Field of Science:Aeronautics, Aeronautical or Other Engineering

Advisors:
Peter M. Struk
Peter.M.Struk@nasa.gov
433-5948

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Doctoral Degree.