An analytical evaluation of the icing properties of several low and medium speed airfoils

A droplet trajectory computer code is used to analyze the water droplet impingement characteristics of several low and medium speed airfoils. The results are reported in terms of the airfoil maximum impingement efficiency, and limits of impingement. The airfoils are analyzed for angles of attack of -4 to 12 degrees, and modified inertia parameters of 0.01 to 1.0. These data are then used to evaluate the effect of airfoil geometry: leading edge radius, maximum thickness, maximum camber, and angle of attack on airfoil icing characteristics. Airfoils from the NACA four digit series to the new NASA NLF airfoils are considered. The strongest correlations were seen between airfoil leading edge radius and maximum local collection efficiency, thickness and total collection efficiency, and camber and the limits of impingement.