A multiphase CFX based approach into ice accretion modeling on a cylinder

Several research activities have been realized to improve the design of turbines and their resistance to extreme conditions like ice accretion. This phenomenon triggers the degradation of turbine performance and increases vibration problems. In an aim to mitigate this problem, it is important to predict the shape, type and extent of ice accretion in order to apply optimised de-icing strategies. This article proposes one such upstream study inscribed in a more global study being conducted at the Wind Energy Research Laboratory on ice accretion - CFX based modelling of water droplets flow in an airstream until impingement on a cylinder. This model makes part and parcel of a more elaborate project whereby thermodynamics and phase change equations will be applied on each water droplet to simulate the new geometry due to ice accretion. This article emphasis on the intrinsic parameters in multiphase modelling, the factors affecting local and global water droplets collection, models simplifications, the analytical equations used in the model, the obtained results and the options for further improvement of the model.