PRECISE enhances the understanding of icing scaling on rotating propellers and will improve numerical modelling capabilities through high-quality experimental data. The ability to confidently perform tests on subscale models and use of numerical tools will reduce the costs and risks associated with the development of propeller driven aircraft.
The main approach of the project was generated jointly with NASA, utilising their extensive know-how in designing such experiments to complement the knowledge within the Austrian consortium. The objectives of PRECISE are addressed by performing IWT testing in two different icing facilities: the NASA Glenn Icing Research Tunnel and the RTA Icing Wind Tunnel . By leveraging the unique capabilities of each facility, a more comprehensive dataset can be produced. Numerical simulation tools must be able to accurately capture the physical effects of propeller icing. Using the data from previous research projects and the data generated within PRECISE, updates to the simulation tools will be made which should enable testing of the developed scaling methods at conditions which cannot be achieved in the IWTs.
The capability of the RTA facility in terms of spray stabilisation time and testing of large propellers at even higher rotational speeds will also be improved during PRECISE. This enables more representative test conditions.
The developed scaling methods and updated numerical tools will significantly reduce the required testing time of future products and can also help in downscaling the experiments which in the long term will have a positive effect on sustainability. Involvement of EASA will ensure that developments take potential future certification considerations into account.
