The experimental/numerical study to predict mechanical behaviour at the ice/aluminium interface

Each year the accumulation of ice and snow on structures causes damages resulting in very expensive repairs and/or replacements. This paper examines the mechanical behaviour at the ice/aluminium interface in order to develop a numerical model simulating de-icing. We have carried out some systematic experimental tests to determine the necessary supporting experimental data for the numerical models. Thereafter a step by step approach is proposed to predict the realistic mechanical behaviour of the ice as well as at the ice/aluminium interface. More specifically, the brittle cracking theory is used to define the behaviour of ice at high strain rates, and the cohesive material theory is used to model de-icing and damage at the interfaces. These models have been used to simulate the de-icing of the thin aluminium plate under traction. The numerical results obtained using the beam theory show important differences compared to experimental data. Whereas those obtained using the new approach show a good agreement with the experimental data. Calibration of delaminating and cracking parameters has been performed using the experimental observations.