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The rapid realization of efficient anti-icing coatings on diverse substrates is of vital value for practical applications. However, current approaches for rapid preparations of anti-icing coatings are still deficient regarding their surface universality and accessibility. Here, we report a simple processing approach to rapidly form icephobic liquid-like polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brushes on various substrates, including metals, ceramics, glass, and plastics. A poly(dimethylsiloxane), trimethoxysilane is applied as a reactant under the catalysis of a minimal amount of acid formed by hydrolysis of dichlorodimethylsilane. With such an advantage, this approach is approved to be applicable of coating metal surfaces with less corrosion. The distinctive flexibility of the PDMS chains provides a liquid-like property to the coating showing low contact angle hysteresis and ice adhesion strength. Notably, the ice adhesion strength remains similar across a wide temperature window, from −70 to −10 °C, with a value of 18.4 kPa. The PDMS brushes demonstrate perfect capability for resisting acid and alkali corrosions, ultra-violet degradation, and even tens of icing/deicing cycles. Moreover, the liquid-like coating can also form at supercooling conditions, such as −20 °C, and shows an outstanding anti-icing/deicing performance, which meets the in situ coating reformation requirement under extreme conditions when it is damaged. This instantly forming anti-icing material will benefit from resisting instantaneous ice accretion on surfaces under extremely cold conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many modern anti-icing and anti-fouling coatings rely on soft, low surface energy elastomeric materials such as polydimethylsiloxane for their functionality. While the low surface energy is desirable for reducing adhesion, very little work considers the larger contribution to adhesive failure caused by the viscoelastic nature of elastomers. Here we examine several different siloxane elastomers using a JKR adhesion test, which was operated over a range of different speeds and temperatures. Additionally, we characterize the dynamic mechanical modulus over a large range of frequencies for each material. We note that surface energies of the materials are all similar, but variation in adhesion strength is clear in the data. The variation at low speeds is related to elastomer architecture but the speed dependence itself is independent of architecture. Qualitative correlations are noted between the JKR adhesion measurements and the dynamic moduli. Finally, an attempt is made to directly compare moduli and adhesion through the recent Persson–Brener model. Approximations of the model are shown to be inaccurate. The full model is found to be accurate at low speeds, although it fails to precisely capture higher speed behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photothermal superhydrophobic coatings are supposed promising to prevent ice accumulation on infrastructures but often experience significant performance degradation in real icing conditions and lack mechanical robustness. Here, we report design of robust photothermal superhydrophobic coatings with three-tier hierarchical micro-/nano-/nanostructures by deposition of nanosized MOFs on natural attapulgite nanorods, fluorination, controlled phase separation of a hydrophobic adhesive and spraying assembly. Phase separation degree and adhesive content significantly influence the coatings' properties by regulating the structural parameters and morphology. In simulated/real icing environments, the coatings simultaneously show (i) high superhydrophobicity and stable Cassie-Baxter states due to their low-surface-energy, three-tier micro-/nano-/nanostructure, (ii) excellent photothermal effect primarily due to nanosized MOFs, and (iii) good mechanical robustness by the phase-separated adhesive, reinforcement with attapulgite and the coatings' self-similar structure. Accordingly, combined with low thermal conductivity, the coatings exhibit remarkable anti-icing/frosting (e.g., no freezing in at least 150 min and almost free of frost in 25 min) and de-icing/frosting performances (e.g., fast de-icing in 12.7 min and fast de-frosting in 16.7 min) in such environments. Furthermore, we realize large-scale preparation of the coatings at reasonable costs. The coatings have great application potential for anti-icing and de-icing in the real world by efficiently using natural sunlight. Photothermal superhydrophobic coatings show poor anti-icing performance and mechanical stability in real conditions. Here, authors report on robust photothermal superhydrophobic coatings with self-similar low-surface-energy three-tier micro-/nano- /nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ice slurry is a promising functional fluid with high thermal energy density and high heat transfer rate. However, the agglomeration of the ice particles in flowing ice slurry can cause blocking of tubes. In this study, anti-freeze protein (AFP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were selected as additives to prevent the agglomeration of ice particles in ice slurry. Ice slurry was generated using the release of the supercooled state of 3 mass% NaCl solution containing the additives. The size of the ice particles in the ice slurry was observed, and the average area of the ice particles was evaluated to reveal the effects of the additives on the ice particle size. Furthermore, the flow behavior of the ice slurry in a tube was observed, and the effects of the additives on the flow behavior and prevention of the agglomeration of the ice particles were evaluated experimentally. It was found that the average area decreased with increasing concentration of the additives, and the effect of AFP on the average area was particularly significant. In the case of without the additives, the ice particles flowed in the tube while the ice particles agglomerated. On the other hand, the ice particles in the ice slurry with the additives flowed without agglomeration in the tube, especially in the case of AFP addition. It was found that AFP prevented the agglomeration of the ice particles in the ice slurry flow. Moreover, the ice slurries with AFP show the significant tendency for pseudo-plastic fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The further applications of silicon carbide (SiC) are limited due to the ease of being contaminated and tendency for icing at low temperature caused by its intrinsically hydrophilicity. In recent years, superhydrophobic surface has been widely employed due to the potential value in anti-fouling and passive anti-icing. In this work, a novel laser ablation-silicone oil heat treatment (LASH) composite process is proposed to fabricate superhydrophobic SiC surface. Many microscale "fence" structures and nanoscale "broccoli" fragmental structures are successfully obtained, which can be adjusted by using different laser processing parameters. Besides, the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrates that the effective deposition of low surface energy chemical functional groups is the key to realize the superhydrophobic properties of SiC surface. The coupling effect between the micro/nano structures and low surface energy is confirmed to be important for the stability of Cassie-Baxter state at low temperature. In addition, the freezing process of water droplets on the LASH surface at low temperature and the mechanism of the rapid transition from Wenzel state to Cassie-Baxter state are analyzed. The experimental results indicate that the LASH surface possesses a longer static icing time and keeps good hydrophobicity at −5 °C. The icing temperature of the LASH surface decreases to −17.6 °C while the temperature of the untreated surface is −3.7 °C. Moreover, the LASH surface possesses a lower ice adhesion strength which means it is easier for the ice droplets to break away from the surface. After 20 cycles of icing-deicing experiments, the WCA of the LASH surface is still higher than 150° and its ice adhesion strength slightly increases to 240 kPa. Finally, the mechanical robustness of the LASH surface is studied through the abrasive belt and tape stripping tests, and the anti-fouling property is also evaluated. The change of ice adhesion strength on the LASH surface under cyclic icing experiment is analyzed. The experimental results show that the LASH surface has great mechanical durability and anti-fouling property, which is expected to further expand the application prospects of SiC in different fields. [Display omitted] • LASH composite process is developed to fabricate superhydrophobic silicon carbide surface. • Micro/nano structures and surface chemistry play important roles for superhydrophobicity. • Wettability of the surface can be controlled by adjusting the laser processing parameters. • LASH surface can achieve free transition from Wenzel state to Cassie-Baxter state. • LASH surface possesses excellent mechanical durability and anti-icing properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve anti-icing traits of outdoor coatings, a synergy between photothermal and hydrophobic anti-icings was utilized to fabricate copolymer/Ti3C2Tx MXene composite coatings with good transparency and adhesion. MXene contributes to photothermal trait from local surface plasmon resonance effect. Copolymer enables hydrophobicity from perfluoroalkyls-induced low surface energy and high surface roughness. An increase in MXene dose results in an increased surface roughness. With 140.0 ± 2.2° of water contact angle and 70% of light transmittance, the optimal film bears 2 wt% of MXene. High MXene dose results in large temperature-increase of film under sunlight. After 15 min of sunlight exposure, the temperature of optimal film surface in icing simulation increases from − 18 ℃ to 7.2 ℃. After 48 h of acid immersion, the temperature-increase of optimal film surface based on 300 s of sunlight irradiation reaches 28.7 ± 1.2 ℃. After 48 h of ultraviolet irradiation, the temperature-increase of optimal film surface is 30.7 ± 0.8 ℃. This surface has a water contact angle of 132.7 ± 1.1° after 48 h of acid immersion. This study gives impetus to a preparation of various composite coatings for outdoor anti-icing/deicing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding is highly desired in specific visual scenes, but the challenge remains in balancing their EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) and optical transmittance. Herein, this study proposed a directionally aligned silver nanowire (AgNW) network construction strategy to address the requirement of high EMI SE and satisfactory light transmittance using a rotation spraying technique. The orientation distribution of AgNW is induced by centrifugal inertia force generated by a high‐speed rotating roller, which overcomes the issue of high contact resistance in random networks and achieves high conductivity even at low AgNW network density. Thus, the obtained transparent conductive film achieved a high light transmittance of 72.9% combined with a low sheet resistance of 4.5 Ω sq−1 and a desirable EMI SE value of 35.2 dB at X band, 38.9 dB in the K‐band, with the highest SE of 43.4 dB at 20.4 GHz. Simultaneously, the excellent conductivity endowed the film with outstanding Joule heating performance and defogging/deicing ability, ensuring the visual transparency of windows when shielding electromagnetic waves. Hence, this research presents a highly effective strategy for constructing an aligned AgNW network, offering a promising solution for enhancing the performance of optical‐electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the mass changes of Antarctic glaciers from 2003 to 2020, partitioning them into the contributions of surface mass balance (SMB) and ice discharge, using high-resolution ice mass change estimates derived from the combination of two different types of satellite observations (gravimetry and altimetry) and outputs from a regional climate model. Our analysis indicates that changes in ice discharge have played a dominant role in ongoing ice mass trends and their accelerations, especially in glaciers near the Amundsen and Bellingshausen Seas in West Antarctica. In particular, mass losses of the Thwaites and Pine Island Glaciers have been mostly (>90%) controlled by ice discharge, while the contribution of SMB has been relatively minor. In East Antarctica, SMB accounts for significant portions (>50%) of ice mass imbalances of glaciers in e.g., Dronning Maud Land and Wilkes Land. Ice discharge has also played a notable role in overall mass gain in the region. While our ice discharge estimates agree well with previous estimates from satellite imagery in West Antarctica, notable differences are found in glaciers of East Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula. This highlights the need for more observations and improved numerical models to refine these estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unknown basal characteristics limit our ability to simulate the subglacial hydrology of rapidly melting contemporary ice sheets. Sediment-based landforms generated beneath Late Pleistocene ice sheets, together with detailed digital elevation models, offer a valuable means of testing basal hydrology models, which describe the flow and dynamics of water in the subglacial system. However, to date no work has evaluated how well process-based subglacial hydrology models represent the hypothesized conditions associated with glaciofluvial landform formation in the palaeo setting. Previous work comparing model output to geomorphological evidence has typically done so using models that do not resolve subglacial processes and instead express likely subglacial water pathways. Here, we explore the ability of the Glacier Drainage System model (GlaDS), a process-based subglacial hydrology model, to represent the genesis conditions associated with a specific glaciofluvial landform termed "murtoos". Distinctive triangular landforms found throughout Finland and Sweden, murtoos are hypothesized to form 40–60 km from the former Fennoscandian Ice Sheet margin within a "semi-distributed" system at the onset of channelized drainage in small cavities where water pressure is equal to or exceeds ice overburden pressure. Concentrating within a specific ice lobe of the former Fennoscandian Ice Sheet and using digital elevation models with a simulated former ice surface geometry, we forced GlaDS with transient surface melt and explored the sensitivity of our model outcomes to parameter decisions such as the system conductivity and bed topography. Our model outputs closely match the general spacing, direction, and complexity of eskers and mapped assemblages of features related to subglacial drainage in "meltwater routes". Many of the predictions for murtoo formation are produced by the model, including the location of water pressure equal to ice overburden, the onset of channelized drainage, the transition in drainage modes, and importantly the seasonal sequence of drainage conditions inferred from murtoo sedimentology. These conclusions are largely robust to a range of parameter decisions, and we explore seasonal and inter-annual drainage behaviour associated with murtoo zones and meltwater pathways. Our results demonstrate that examining palaeo basal topography alongside subglacial hydrology model outputs holds promise for the mutually beneficial analyses of palaeo and contemporary ice sheets to assess the controls of hydrology on ice dynamics and subglacial landform evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calculation of the water droplet collection coefficient (WDCC) is a crucial step in the numerical study of aircraft icing and the iterative design of anti-icing and deicing systems. Rapid and efficient methods for predicting WDCC are essential for enhancing the efficiency of icing numerical calculations and accelerating the design cycle of these systems. The existing prediction methods are inefficient and fail to meet the real-time requirements of engineering applications. This paper proposes a rapid prediction method for the WDCC for multiple airfoils utilizing deep learning techniques. The method takes enhanced airfoil section images and icing condition parameters as inputs and WDCC as output. A deep neural network prediction model, IncDynamicFusion, for sustainable learning is established by integrating a multimodal dynamic fusion method with an improved iCaRL method (incremental classifier and representation learning). Numerical experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model can quickly and effectively predict the WDCC of multiple airfoils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Runway icing presents a significant challenge to aviation safety, especially in saline environments, where comprehending the icing mechanisms and predicting the icing onset are crucial for efficient airport operations. This study developed a specialized experimental apparatus to examine the mechanisms of airport pavement icing under controlled conditions. The apparatus, comprising an environmental chamber, a data acquisition system, and a scaled pavement structure, allowed for detailed simulations of various environmental factors. The experiments specifically examined the effects of the air temperature (−3 °C to −20 °C), wind speed (2 m/s to 6 m/s), and deicing salt concentration (0% to 80%) on the icing process. The results demonstrated that higher wind speeds and lower temperatures significantly accelerated the pavement surface cooling, leading to earlier icing onset. Under the most extreme conditions, the pavement reached critical icing temperatures within 15 min. In contrast, higher deicing salt concentrations delayed the icing onset by up to 67 min and 33 s at an 80% concentration, effectively lowering the pavement surface temperature. A comparison of the experimental data with the theoretical predictions showed initial consistency, although the discrepancies increased over time. This study culminated in the development of a simplified prediction model, which was validated against the experimental results, offering a practical tool for airport operators to manage runway safety during winter conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ice-covered transmission lines seriously affect the stable operation of the power system. Deploying a recognition network for measuring the ice thickness on transmission lines within a deicing robot, and controlling the robot to perform resonant deicing, is an effective solution. In order to solve the problem that the existing recognition network is not suitable for an edge device, an ice-thickness recognition network for transmission lines based on efficient dynamic perception (EDPNet) is proposed. Firstly, a lightweight multidimensional recombination convolution (LMRC) is designed to split the ordinary convolution for lightweight design and extract feature information of different scales for reorganization. Then, a lightweight deep fusion module (LDFM) is designed, which combines the attention mechanism with different features to enhance the information interaction between the encoder and decoder. Then, a new dynamic loss function is adopted in the training process to guide the model to perform refined detection of ice-covered boundaries. Finally, we count the ice pixels and calculate the ice thickness. The model is deployed on an OrangePi5 Plus edge computing board. Compared with the baseline model, the maximum ice-thickness detection error is 4.2%, the model parameters are reduced by 86.1%, and the detection speed is increased by 74.6%. Experimental results show that EDPNet can efficiently complete the task of identifying ice-covered transmission lines and has certain engineering application value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) is a well-established neurological diagnostic technique that also induces many phenomenological modulations, including reductions in phantom limb pain (PLP), spinal cord injury pain (SCIP), and central post-stroke pain. Objective: We aimed to assess in a variety of persistent pain (PP) conditions (i) short-term pain modulation by CVS relative to a forehead ice pack cold-arousal control procedure and (ii) the duration and repeatability of CVS modulations. The tolerability of CVS was also assessed and has been reported separately. Methods: We conducted a convenience-based non-randomised single-blinded placebo-controlled study. Thirty-eight PP patients were assessed (PLP, n = 8; SCIP, n = 12; complex regional pain syndrome, CRPS, n = 14; non-specific PP, n = 4). Patients underwent 1–3 separate-day sessions of iced-water right-ear CVS. All but four also underwent the ice pack procedure. Analyses used patient-reported numerical rating scale pain intensity (NRS-PI) scores for pain and allodynia. Results: Across all groups, NRS-PI for pain was significantly lower within 30 min post-CVS than post-ice pack (p < 0.01). Average reductions were 24.8% (CVS) and 6.4% (ice pack). CRPS appeared most responsive to CVS, while PLP and SCIP responses were less than expected from previous reports. The strongest CVS pain reductions lasted hours to over three weeks. CVS also induced substantial reductions in allodynia in three of nine allodynic CRPS patients, lasting 24 h to 1 month. As reported elsewhere, only one patient experienced emesis and CVS was widely rated by patients as a tolerable PP management intervention. Conclusions: Although these results require interpretative caution, CVS was found to modulate pain relative to an ice pack control. CVS also modulated allodynia in some cases. CVS should be examined for pain management efficacy using randomised controlled trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing adoption of composite materials in aircraft construction, traditional anti-icing technologies face significant challenges due to the low thermal conductivity and heat resistance of composite resins. These limitations have spurred the development of lightweight, efficient, durable, and cost-effective integrated anti-icing technologies as a critical area of research. This paper begins with an overview of advancements in electrothermal anti-icing and de-icing technologies for aircraft. It then explores the configurations and applications of functional-structural integration technology for anti-icing and de-icing, emphasizing pivotal technologies and current challenges in this field. Finally, the study forecasts the development trends in the multifunctional integration of thermal conductivity/insulation, anti-icing, and electromagnetic wave transparency/wave-absorbing properties. These advancements are driven by the evolution of composite materialization in aircraft and the progression of multi-electrical/all-electrical technologies. The objective is to provide a comprehensive guide for technological development in anti-icing, aiding researchers and relevant departments to further enhance the application of anti-icing technology in composite material aircraft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to prepare a facile hierarchical aluminium surface using a two-step process consisting of chemical etching in selected concentrations of CuCl2 solution and surface grafting through immersion in an ethanol solution containing 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane. The goal was to achieve superhydrophobic characteristics on the aluminium surface, including enhanced corrosion resistance, efficient self-cleaning ability, and improved anti-icing performance. The surface characterisation of the untreated aluminium and treated in CuCl2 solutions of different concentrations was performed using contact profilometry, optical tensiometry, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy to determine the surface topography, wettability, morphology, and surface composition. The corrosion properties were evaluated using potentiodynamic measurements in simulated acid rain solution and salt-spray test according to ASTM B117-22. In addition, self-cleaning and anti-icing tests were performed on superhydrophobic surfaces prepared under optimal conditions. The results showed that the nano-/micro-structured etched aluminium surface with an optimal 0.5 M concentration of CuCl2 grafted with a perfluoroalkyl silane film achieved superhydrophobic characteristics, with water droplets exhibiting efficient corrosion protection, self-cleaning ability, and improved anti-icing performance with decreased ice nucleation temperature and up to 545% increased freezing delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superhydrophobic coatings have great potential to mitigate ice accumulation and ice adhesion issues due to their outstanding water-repellent and self-cleaning characteristics. In the present study, polyurethane elastomer (PUE) is considered a superhydrophobic coating material for anti-icing applications. The life cycle assessment (LCA) of bare aluminum and PUE-coated systems is performed using the Centrum voor Milieukunde Leiden methodology. The cradle-to-gate LCA scope is implemented to evaluate and compare the total environmental impact. This study revealed that the PUE-coated system exhibited a significant reduction in total environmental impact compared to bare aluminum. The levelized cost of coating analysis demonstrates that the PUE coating system is more economical than bare aluminum surfaces. There is scope to reduce the environmental impact associated with PUE-coated systems using bio-based and less toxic chemicals/solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses numerical modeling to evaluate the ability of a geothermal bridge deck deicing system to mitigate concrete deterioration. A model of an experimental bridge deck with embedded heat exchanger tubing was created using COMSOL (version 5.6) Multiphysics software. The model accounts for heat transfer and structural behavior and was validated against temperature and strain data from physical experiments. Inlet fluid temperatures of 10°C and 50°C, reflecting average ground temperatures in Montana, were tested to evaluate the system's effect on deicing, frost action, and thermal stresses. A sensitivity analysis was also completed to investigate the influence of ambient temperature, inlet fluid temperature, and tube spacing in the efficiency of the geothermal deicing system. The results suggest that higher fluid temperatures and reduced pipe spacing improved the effectiveness for deicing and mitigating frost action and strain due to thermal movements, but also increased temperature gradients in the bridge deck. The deicing system shows promise in reducing some mechanisms of concrete deterioration, while staying within allowable limits for others. Numerical modeling provides insights into designing deicing systems to mitigate frost action and thermal stresses in bridge decks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since aircraft icing will decrease the ability of aircraft to generate lift, it is significant to consider the aircraft deicing problem. The paper presents an aircraft deicing method based on the cracking of the ice layer caused by the large deformations of wings. To describe the deformation of wings, the absolute coordinate-based formulation is used. The aircraft with high aspect ratio wings is simplified as a hub-beam system. Such a rigid-flexible system with the fast rotation speed of hub and the large deformation of the beam is modeled using absolute coordinate-based formulation accurately. The maneuver of the rigid body will lead to the large deformation of wings to do the de-icing. Numerical examples are presented to reveal that the maximum tensile strength on the wing surface with sinusoidal control torques with some amplitudes and frequencies is larger than the ice's tensile strength. Hence, the proposed de-icing method based on the aircraft maneuvering is potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of ice and snow will have a great impact on industry and people's lives. People usually adopted active deicing method for deicing in the past, which is characterized by high energy consumption, low efficiency, and high cost. Passive anti‐icing materials are the most widely used due to their low icing adhesion strength and energy saving, but passive anti‐icing materials tend to lose anti‐icing performance after mechanical damage or following exposure to harsh environments resembling low temperatures, high humidity. Recently, new anti‐icing materials have been rationally designed through the combination of passive and active anti‐icing, exhibiting high‐efficiency and energy‐saving anti‐icing properties. The design idea is that low surface energy polymers combine photothermal and electrothermal particles to achieve photothermal and electrothermal superhydrophobic anti‐icing. Anti‐icing materials are easily damaged after long‐term outdoor use, so the self‐healing capabilities of the materials are important. This review briefly introduces the ice formation mechanism and anti‐icing methods, focusing on the recent progress in the structural design of superhydrophobic, photothermal, electrothermal, and self‐healing anti‐icing materials. The design of the new generation of anti‐icing materials will be a combination of active and passive anti‐icing, which can achieve ideal all‐weather anti‐icing and deicing and repair the damage during long‐term use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Superhydrophobic surfaces can effectively prevent the freezing of supercooled droplets in technological systems. Droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces commonly not only wet the top asperities (Cassie State), but also partially penetrate into microstructure due to surface properties, environment, and droplet impact occurring in real-world applications. Implications on ice nucleation can be expected and are little explored. It remains elusive how anti-icing surfaces can be designed to exploit intermediate wetting phenomena. We utilized engineered micro-/nanostructures, specifically micropillars, to modulate the wetting fraction in the microstructure. The behavior of intermediate wetting with supercooling and resulting implications on ice nucleation delay when potential nucleation sites are formed in the microcavities were investigated using experimental, theoretical, and simulation components. The temperature-dependent wetting fraction in the microstructure increased at supercooled temperatures, partly activated by condensation in the microcavities. At −10/−20 °C, a critical wetting fraction led to maximum ice nucleation delays, with experimental results consistent with theoretical predictions. This critical wetting fraction minimized the effective contact area solid-to-liquid along the partially wetted microstructure. The study establishes physical relations between ice nucleation delays, geometrical surface parameters and wettability properties in the intermediate wetting regime, providing guidance for the design of ice resistant microstructured surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling the formation and growth of ice is essential to successfully cryopreserve cells, tissues and biologics. Current efforts to identify materials capable of modulating ice growth are guided by iterative changes and human intuition, with a major focus on proteins and polymers. With limited data, the discovery pipeline is constrained by a poor understanding of the mechanisms and the underlying structure-activity relationships. In this work, this barrier is overcome by constructing machine learning models capable of predicting the ice recrystallisation inhibition activity of small molecules. We generate a new dataset via experimental measurements of ice growth, then harness predictive models combining state-of-the-art descriptors with domain-specific features derived from molecular simulations. The models accurately identify potent small molecule ice recrystallisation inhibitors within a commercial compound library. Identified hits can also mitigate cellular damage during transient warming events in cryopreserved red blood cells, demonstrating how data-driven approaches can be used to discover innovative cryoprotectants and enable next-generation cryopreservation solutions for the cold chain. Controlling ice formation is crucial for cryopreservation. Here, authors developed machine learning models to predict ice recrystallisation inhibition by small molecules, showcasing a data-driven approach for cryoprotectant discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing interfacial adhesion between functional coatings and target surfaces facilitates long‐term stable service by mitigating interferences of mechanical mismatches. Design of mechanical interlocks affords an effective strategy to strengthen the interfacial bonding with durability and compatibility, but the in‐depth investigations are still lacked. Herein, a gecko‐inspired hierarchical strategy realized by hybrid laser direct writing is proposed, which incorporates an armored frame scale for surface protection and a riveted anchor scale for interlocks. Such dual‐scale configurations endow the functional coatings with the stronger adhesion to the targets than the pristine and mono‐scale cases, resulting in 2 orders of magnitude enhancement resistant to tape peeling tests. Utilizing this scheme, a laser‐induced integrated deicing system is in situ manufactured on thermoplastics, primarily comprising superhydrophobic structures, carbon‐based sensors as well as adhesive copper (Cu) interconnects and heaters, where Cu‐based devices exhibit superior resistance to water impacts and stress fatigue. Interfacing with signal processing modules, such an all‐in‐one system demonstrates real‐time temperature monitoring and high efficiency in deicing (4.24 folds faster than the control group). The facile route for intensified adhesion holds promise in the interfaces within advanced equipment and under harsh scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salting of roadways contaminates local waterways via snowmelt and precipitation runoff, eliciting various toxicological impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Recently, “eco‐friendly” deicing alternatives have been introduced in hopes of mitigating environmental impacts of deicing agents, while maintaining human safety. These “eco‐friendly” alternatives may pose their own set of environmental concerns that require further study. While the potential toxicity of road salts has been evaluated for various aquatic species, the environmental factors that may influence this toxicity are less understood; and for emerging deicing alternatives, there is a lack of literature documenting these potential implications. For aquatic organisms, the highest exposure to road salts may coincide with reduced food availability, namely during the winter months. The present study evaluates the effect of a conditioning diet on the sensitivity of adult Hyalella azteca to an “eco‐friendly”‐labeled beet deicer (Snow Joe MELT Beet‐IT). Various conditioning diets were examined, including TetraMinTM, TetraMin and diatom (Thalassiosira weissflogii) combinations, and TetraMin and conditioned Acer sacharum leaves. For each diet type, 48‐ and 96‐h water‐only toxicity bioassays were conducted with adult H. azteca. These results were compared to organisms which experienced a 96‐h starvation period prior to exposure and culture organisms. Diet types representing excess quality and quantity of food significantly decreased the toxicity of beet deicer to the organisms. However, starvation likely increases the toxicity of road salts to H. azteca. Therefore, the quantity and quality of food available to H. azteca may influence their sensitivity to deicing agents. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1–8. © 2024 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simulation of droplet-wall impact process based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is of great significance for understanding the dynamic behavior of droplets spreading on the solid wall, and can provide technical support for the design of superhydrophobic structures and the development of anti-icing coating. The difficulty lies in how to accurately describe the evolution process of the contact line and the dynamic contact angle in the model. Herein, 4 typical dynamic contact angle models were summarized, and their application ranges were analyzed theoretically. With the UDF function in FLUENT the dynamic contact angle model was applied to the wall boundary conditions, and the dynamic process of droplet impact on smooth wall was numerically simulated. The quantitative analysis of the changes of droplet shape parameters and the comparison with the experimental results show that, the Seebergh dynamic contact angle model is more suitable for simulating the motion of droplets with lower capillary numbers. The Kistler model and the Jiang model are more widely used and can accurately describe the motions of droplets with higher capillary numbers. Then, based on the Kistler dynamic contact angle model, the impact and spreading processes of droplets on the microstructure surface were simulated. It is found that, the application of the dynamic contact angle model will lead to the change of the internal flow fields of droplets with the surface tension playing a dominant role, and the simulated droplet contact angle value in equilibrium is close to the theoretical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrophobic surfaces exhibit unique surface effects and hold broad potential across numerous domains, including anti-icing, condensation, and self-cleaning. Conventionally, droplets on hydrophobic surfaces have been conceptualized as spherical segments to predict contact angles. However, a droplet deposited on hydrophobic surfaces tends to be flattened at the bottom due to gravity, leading to a discrepancy between the experimental observation and prediction derived from the Cassie–Baxter equation. Here, we propose an approximation that divides the distorted droplet into upper and lower segments, i.e., simplifying its morphology into a double-radius contour. This approach leads to a more accurate prediction of the contact angle on hydrophobic structured surfaces. The deviation between experiment and our model is less than 1.7%. Further water evaporation was conducted to investigate the transition condition from the Cassie–Baxter state to the Wenzel state, and we show that the critical transition radius for substrates with varied microstructural geometry parameters consistently falls slightly below the theoretical prediction, which is attributed to an inaccurate assessment of the structure angle. Finally, we demonstrate that the stability of the Cassie–Baxter state can be enhanced by employing hierarchical micro-/nanostructures on the surface. This research advances our foundational comprehension of wetting phenomenon and the stability of the Cassie–Baxter state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A clear and comprehensive understanding of the dynamic changes in ice adhesion during the operation of thermal de-icing systems on an airplane can help in realizing safer operation of these systems. In this study, we aim to elucidate the ice adhesion decay pattern on different materials under thermal de-icing conditions. Molds are used to form ice on the surfaces of aluminum alloy, stainless steel, titanium alloy, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and then their initial and dynamic ice adhesive strengths are measured. The effects of surface roughness and heating rate are also explored. The results show that the residual adhesive strength is almost linearly proportional to the instant temperature before it rises to −0.5 °C for the three types of metallic surfaces. However, for PTFE surfaces, instead of a reduction in the adhesive strength caused by heat, adhesive failure occurs due to the high stress induced by thermal deformation of the substrate. Under dynamic heating conditions, the impact of substrate's roughness on the adhesive strength is significantly weakened, and the heating rate has a minor effect on the relationship between adhesive strength and instant temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of water flow, ice, and structures is common in fluvial ice processes, particularly around Ice Control Structures (ICSs) that are used to manage and prevent ice jam floods. To evaluate the effectiveness of ICSs, it is essential to understand the complex interaction between water flow, ice and the structure. Numerical modeling is a valuable tool that can facilitate such understanding. Until now, classical Eulerian mesh-based methods have not been evaluated for the simulation of ice interaction with ICS. In this paper we evaluate the capability, accuracy, and efficiency of a coupled Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) and multi-body motion numerical model, based on the mesh-based FLOW-3D V.2023 R1 software for simulation of ice-structure interactions in several benchmark cases. The model's performance was compared with results from meshless-based models (performed by others) for the same laboratory test cases that were used as a reference for the comparison. To this end, simulation results from a range of dam break laboratory experiments were analyzed, encompassing varying numbers of floating objects with distinct characteristics, both in the presence and absence of ICS, and under different downstream water levels. The results show that the overall accuracy of the FLOW-3D model under various experimental conditions resulted in a RMSE of 0.0534 as opposed to an overall RMSE of 0.0599 for the meshless methods. Instabilities were observed in the FLOW-3D model for more complex phenomena that involve open boundaries and a larger number of blocks. Although the FLOW-3D model exhibited a similar computational time to the GPU-accelerated meshless-based models, constraints on the processors speed and the number of cores available for use by the processors could limit the computational time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superhydrophobic nanocomposite coatings, prepared using adhesive and fillers, offer advantages including ease of fabrication and suitability for large-scale applications, but compared with other types of artificial superhydrophobic surfaces, poor durability still limits these surfaces from practical applications. The utilization of micro/nanoscale particles with both intrinsic hydrophobicity and robust mechanical properties to prepare coatings should significantly contribute to enhanced durability. Herein, rough and hydrophobic particles with micro/nano hierarchical structures were prepared at first, and robust superhydrophobic surfaces were fabricated using the prepared particles and additional nanoparticles. The initially prepared particles formed a rough framework of the coating, while additional nanoparticles provided inevitable nanoscale structures. A series of mechanical tests were carried out to validate the durability, and the surface with 20 wt.% NPs exhibited the best performance, withstanding 30 tape peeling tests, a 2.47 m sandpaper rubbing test (at a pressure of 5 kPa), the impact of 200 g of grit dropped from a height of 20 cm, and a 2 h acidic immersion. These appealing materials may attract attention for self-cleaning, high-speed water impact resistance, anti-icing, and anti-fouling applications in the coatings industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freezing storage is the most common method of food preservation and the formation of ice crystals during freezing has an important impact on food quality. The water molecular structure, mechanism of ice crystal formation, and ice crystal structure are elaborated in the present review. Meanwhile the methods of ice crystal characterization are outlined. It is concluded that the distribution of the water molecule cluster structure during the crystallization process directly affects the formed ice crystals' structure, but the intrinsic relationship needs to be further investigated. The morphology and distribution of ice crystals can be observed by experimental methods while simulation methods provide the possibility to study the molecular structure changes in water and ice crystals. It is hoped that this review will provide more information about ice crystallization and promote the control of ice crystals in frozen foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undesired ice accumulation can lead to serious negative impacts on daily life and equipment safety. Slippery liquid-infused surfaces (SLISs) have been widely studied for their low ice adhesion strength (τ ice ). However, the lack of durability, weak robustness, and complex preparation process hinder the application of SLISs. In this work, robust oil-infused porous surface (RIPS) was obtained by a facile one-step method, which used epoxy resin (E44) as a substrate and contained fumed silica and silicone oil. The RIPS-6 displays outstanding anti-icing/deicing ability, superior liquid repellency, good self-cleaning performance, and excellent mechanical robustness. At −5 °C, the water droplet remained unfrozen after 7200 s. τ ice was only 6.9 kPa at −20 °C and remained below 15 kPa during 10 icing cycles. Furthermore, the mixture of E44 and fumed silica enhanced the mechanical properties including the hardness (4 H) and abrasion resistance of RIPS-6. The icephobicity can be remained (τice < 40 kPa) even after 150 cycles of sandpaper abrasion at 2.5 kPa. The anti-icing and deicing coating with excellent mechanical stability and durability significantly improves the practical application possibility of the coating in harsh environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Soft materials are promising candidates for designing passive de-icing systems. It is unclear whether low adhesion on soft surfaces is due to elasticity or lubrication, and how these properties affect the ice detachment mechanism. This study presents a systematic analysis of ice adhesion on soft materials with different lubricant content to better understand the underpinning interaction. The wetting and mechanical properties of soft polydimethylsiloxane with different lubricant content were thoroughly characterized by contact angle, AFM indentation, and rheology measurements. The collected information was used to understand the relationship with the ice adhesion results, obtained by using different ice block sizes. Three different de-icing mechanisms were identified: (i) single detachment occurs when small ice blocks are considered, and the ice completely detaches in a single event. In the case of larger ice blocks, the reattachment of the ice block is promoted by either: (ii) stick–slip or, (iii) interfacial slippage, depending on the lubricant content. It was confirmed that the ice adhesion strength not only depends on material properties but also on experimental conditions, such as the ice dimensions. Moreover, differently than on hard surfaces, where wetting primarily determines the icephobic performance, also elasticity and lubrication should be considered on soft surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By combining experimental data of ice friction tests at low temperatures, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) spectroscopy, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) spectra, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR−FTIR), and calculation results of density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we investigate contributions of interfacial water structures and ion-specific effect to ice friction, revealing that the hydration lubrication of ice surface is modulated by interfacial water molecules. The "liquid-like" interfacial water structure plays a critical role in reducing ice friction reduction, which provides more insights into a detailed molecular-level understanding of ice friction and hydration lubrication. [Display omitted] Ice friction plays a crucial role in both basic study and practical use. Various strategies for controlling ice friction have been developed. However, one unsolved puzzle regarding ice friction is the effect of ion–ice interplay on its tribological properties. Here, we conducted ice friction experiments and summarized the specific effects of hydrated ions on ice friction. By selecting cations and anions, the coefficient of ice friction can be reduced by more than 70 percent. Experimental spectra, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations demonstrated that the addition of ions could break the H-bonds in water. The link between the charge density of ions and the coefficients of ice friction was revealed. A part of the ice structure was changed from an ice-like to a liquid-like interfacial water structure with the addition of ions. Lower charge density ions led to weaker ionic forces with the water molecules in the immobilized water layer, resulting in free water molecules increasing in the lubricating layer. This study provides guidance for preparing ice-making solutions with low friction coefficients and a fuller understanding of the interfacial water structure at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We here review mostly experimental and some computational work devoted to nucleation in amorphous ices. In fact, there are only a handful of studies in which nucleation and growth in amorphous ices are investigated as two separate processes. In most studies, crystallization temperatures Tx or crystallization rates RJG are accessed for the combined process. Our Review deals with different amorphous ices, namely, vapor-deposited amorphous solid water (ASW) encountered in many astrophysical environments; hyperquenched glassy water (HGW) produced from μm-droplets of liquid water; and low density amorphous (LDA), high density amorphous (HDA), and very high density amorphous (VHDA) ices produced via pressure-induced amorphization of ice I or from high-pressure polymorphs. We cover the pressure range of up to about 6 GPa and the temperature range of up to 270 K, where only the presence of salts allows for the observation of amorphous ices at such high temperatures. In the case of ASW, its microporosity and very high internal surface to volume ratio are the key factors determining its crystallization kinetics. For HGW, the role of interfaces between individual glassy droplets is crucial but mostly neglected in nucleation or crystallization studies. In the case of LDA, HDA, and VHDA, parallel crystallization kinetics to different ice phases is observed, where the fraction of crystallized ices is controlled by the heating rate. A key aspect here is that in different experiments, amorphous ices of different "purities" are obtained, where "purity" here means the "absence of crystalline nuclei." For this reason, "preseeded amorphous ice" and "nuclei-free amorphous ice" should be distinguished carefully, which has not been done properly in most studies. This makes a direct comparison of results obtained in different laboratories very hard, and even results obtained in the same laboratory are affected by very small changes in the preparation protocol. In terms of mechanism, the results are consistent with amorphous ices turning into an ultraviscous, deeply supercooled liquid prior to nucleation. However, especially in preseeded amorphous ices, crystallization from the preexisting nuclei takes place simultaneously. To separate the time scales of crystallization from the time scale of structure relaxation cleanly, the goal needs to be to produce amorphous ices free from crystalline ice nuclei. Such ices have only been produced in very few studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulated snow and ice pose significant safety risks. Conventional methods of de-icing and snow melting are labor-intensive and come with substantial implementation and maintenance costs. This study examines the applicability of carbon fiber heating cables (CFHC) for de-icing and snow melting systems across diverse industries and structures. However, an evident data gap exists regarding the long-term temperature-maintaining characteristics of these cables, posing challenges in assessing their overall performance. Experimental work was carried out to analyze the heat performance of CFHC for long-term applications. The cable maintained a temperature of 100 °C for 300 days, with standard error variations ranging from 0.09 °C to 0.45 °C. The heating cable demonstrated long-term effectiveness in de-icing, capable of melting a 3 mm-thick layer of ice within 0.5 hours and achieving complete water evaporation within 2.5 hours. These results align with the performance of the heating cable that was not subjected to a heat performance test. Consequently, it is believed that the use of CFHC for long-term applications is indeed feasible. These findings offer valuable insights that can facilitate further development in de-icing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio‐echo sounding (RES) shows large‐scale englacial stratigraphic folds are ubiquitous in Greenland's ice sheet. However, there is no consensus yet on how these folds form. Here, we use the full‐Stokes code Underworld2 to simulate ice movements in three‐dimensional convergent flow, mainly considering ice anisotropy due to a crystallographic preferred orientation, vertical viscosity and density gradients in ice layers, and bedrock topography. Our simulated folds show complex patterns and are classified into: large‐scale folds (>100 m amplitude), small‐scale folds (<<100 m) and basal‐shear folds. The amplitudes of large‐scale folds tend to be at their maximum in the middle of the ice column or just below, in accordance with observations in RES data. We conclude that ice anisotropy amplifies the perturbations in ice layers (mainly due to bedrock topography) into large‐scale folds during flow. Density differences between the warm deep ice and cold ice above may enhance fold amplification. Plain Language Summary: Polar ice sheets are composed of compacted former snow layers deposited at the ice surface. If not distorted or deformed, these layers are flat or adapt to the underlying bedrock topography. However, vertical radar scans of Greenland's ice sheet show large‐scale folds of up to hundreds of meters in height. To investigate how these large‐scale folds form, we set up a three‐dimensional numerical ice‐sheet model and simulate fold growth. Our modeling emphasizes the distinctive physical properties of ice required for fold formation, notably its anisotropy (the direction dependency of the flow strength) and power‐law rheology (when ice becomes softer with increasing strain rate). These findings help to better explain ice flow dynamics. Key Points: Large‐scale fold formation in polar ice sheets is mainly controlled by ice anisotropy and bedrock topographyBuoyancy of deep warm ice can further enhance fold amplificationThe implementation of ice anisotropy should be included in large‐scale ice flow modeling [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators have recently become desirable devices for simultaneous flow control and ice mitigation applications, with particular interest in wind turbines operating in cold climates. Considering the potential of plasma actuators for these specific applications, it is necessary to deeply understand the thermal effects generated by the plasma-induced flow to proceed with further optimizations. However, due to the local high electric field and high electromagnetic interference generated, there is a lack of experimental studies on the topic. The current work implements an in-house experimental technique based on the background-oriented schlieren principle for plasma-induced flow thermal characterization. Since this technique is based on optical measurements, it is not affected by the electromagnetic interference issues caused by the plasma discharge. A detailed experimental analysis is performed on a conventional Kapton actuator exploiting the relation between the actuator surface temperature and the induced thermal flow. The influence of the input voltage and the transient plasma-induced flow thermal behavior is analyzed. The results demonstrate that plasma actuators are fast response time devices that can heat the adjacent medium in less than a second after starting the operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel optimization method is developed for the design of an anti-icing blunt trailing-edge wind wheel of H-type vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) based on the quasi-steady-state icing. The parametric expression of the airfoil is given using the mean camber and thickness functions, the blunt trailing-edge is constructed by the rotation and zoom of coordinates, and then through the aerodynamic design theory, the geometry control equations of the blunt trailing-edge wind wheel are established. The icing process using Solution and Icing modules is repeated at equal interval azimuths to obtain the ice on the wind wheel per revolution. The optimization model is solved using particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm integrated with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to maximize the wind energy utilization in both ice-free and icing conditions. Significant improvements are realized for flow and aerodynamic characteristics, confirming that the optimization method provides important guidance for an anti-icing design of VAWT blades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new method involving a wear-resistant and reusable template is proposed for the preparation of high-mechanical-strength superhydrophobic polymer film based on wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM). A solid−liquid-contact-angle simulation model was established to obtain surface-texture types and sizes that may achieve superhydrophobicity. The experimental results from template preparation show that there is good agreement between the simulation and experimental results for the contact angle. The maximum contact angle on the template can reach 155.3° given the appropriate triangular surface texture and WEDM rough machining. Besides, the prepared superhydrophobic template exhibits good wear resistance and reusability. PDMS superhydrophobic polymer films were prepared by the template method, and their properties were tested. The experimental results from the preparation of superhydrophobic polymer films show that the maximum contact angle of the polymer films can be up to 154.8° and that these films have good self-cleaning and anti-icing properties, wear resistance, bending resistance, and ductility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horizontal transport of droplets is important for anti-icing, self-cleaning, and water collection technologies. In this paper, the bouncing dynamics of two off-center droplets impacting on a solid surface are explored via numerical simulations. Two kinds of surface wettability are considered. One is a superhydrophobic surface (homogeneous wettability), and the other is a superhydrophobic surface arranged with a hydrophilic strip (heterogeneous wettability). First, the effect of an eccentric angle on the horizontal transport of two droplets impacting on a homogeneous wettability surface is investigated. As the eccentric angle increases, the merged droplet after impact may experience horizontal transportation in either the positive or negative direction. When a heterogeneous wettability surface is adopted, the changes in the transport direction of the merged droplet are consistent with the location of the hydrophilic strip upon eccentric impact. By adjusting the position of the hydrophilic strip, the maximum horizontal transportation distance is 7.53 times the diameter of the initial droplet when the eccentric angle is 10°, while it is only 2.01 times the diameter of the initial droplet when the eccentric angle is 20° for a homogeneous wettability surface. It is indicated that the use of the heterogeneous wettability surface is significantly efficient for droplet control after impact. The obtained results contribute to the fundamental understanding of droplet directional migration and are valuable for related engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Droplets oscillating on vibrating substrates are very interesting scientifically, with applications such as anti-icing, droplet transportation, and measuring dynamic surface tension. Reported here are the dynamics of droplets with different volumes on a vibrating smooth surface infused with liquid of different viscosities. The movement of the three-phase droplet contact line is used to quantify the droplet dynamics, and it is found that this movement is linearly proportional to the amplitude of the substrate and inversely proportional to the viscosity of the liquid infused therein. When the substrate viscosity is relatively low, the droplet volume also affects the contact-line movement. Scaling laws for the contact-line movement are derived involving the Ohnesorge number and the reciprocal of the capillary number. Also elucidated is the relationship between the resonance frequency and the substrate viscosity, and the characteristic droplet morphology under different substrate viscosities is extracted to describe the contact-line movement. Interestingly, the substrate viscosity is controlled in an innovative way to achieve almost the same contact-line movement on the present surface as on superhydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-icing technologies are vital across various sectors, from transportation to energy systems. In this study, we investigate the formation of condensation halos during the process of condensation–freezing on superhydrophobic surfaces. Experimental tests were conducted on metallic nanostructured superhydrophobic surfaces, where droplet icing was induced and observed under controlled conditions. The formation of condensation halos, characterized by the sudden appearance and subsequent vanishing of microdroplets around the freezing droplets, was captured and analyzed. A vapor diffusive model coupled with heterogeneous nucleation theory was developed to understand and quantify the growth of condensation halos. The model considers vapor diffusion around the icing droplet and the critical vapor pressure required for nucleation. Experimental observations and theoretical predictions demonstrated a strong dependence of condensation halo size on the icing droplet radius. The study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying condensation halo formation and provides insights into the intricate interplay between droplet size, surface properties, and environmental conditions in condensation–freezing phenomena, offering valuable perspectives for the development of effective anti-icing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Icing on wind turbines reduces power generation efficiency and leads to safety issues. Consequently, in this paper, ice distribution characteristics on DU25 and NACA63-215 airfoils at ambient temperatures and angles of attack are explored VIA numerical simulation. The findings indicate that when the ambient temperature changes in the range of 248–268 K, the ice distribution range on the upper surface of the DU25 airfoil (0–3.07 mm) is wider than that of the NACA63-215 airfoil (0–1.91 mm), while the ice distribution range on the lower surface of the DU25 airfoil (0–12.13 mm) is narrower than that of the NACA63-215 airfoil (0–15.18 mm) due to the discrepancy in droplet collection efficiency and droplet freezing rate caused by airfoil structure and ambient temperature, respectively. At an angle of attack of 0°, the ice distribution range on the upper surface of the DU25 airfoil is almost the same as that of the NACA63-215 airfoil. At an angle of attack of 8°, the ice distribution range on the upper surface of the DU25 airfoil (0–1.05 mm) is broader than that of the NACA63-215 airfoil (0–0.675 mm), whereas the ice distribution range on the lower surface of the DU25 airfoil (0–17 mm) is narrower than that of the NACA63-215 airfoil (0–20 mm) due to the discrepancy in droplet collection efficiency caused by droplet flow trajectory. The angle of attack has a much greater effect on the peak ice thickness than ambient temperature. This study will provide guidance for the anti-icing coating design of wind turbine blades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arctic region experiences significant annual hydrologic events, with the spring flood and ice break-up being the most prominent. River ice break-up, in particular, poses high socioeconomic and ecological expenses, including morphological changes and damage to riverine structures. This study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal patterns of river ice in the River Tornionjoki, including the timing of ice break-up at different latitudes. We utilized observation data and remote sensing techniques to track changes in ice patterns overtime on the River Tornionjoki. The study indicates that the ice break-up in the River Tornionjoki basin typically occurs during Apr-Jun based on the reach location in different latitudes; therefore, different stations behave according to their latitudinal location. We observed significant spatial variations in ice break-up timing across the basin, with an earlier break-up in the lower latitudes compared to the upper latitudes. The average ice break-up day in lower latitude stations ranges between 200–205, while in higher latitude stations the average ice break-up day ranges between 215–228. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents experimental testing evaluating the ability of a bridge deck deicing system to mitigate concrete deterioration from thermal stresses, frost action, and early-age cracking. Two experimental bridge deck models were constructed with embedded heat exchanger tubing and instrumented with thermocouples and strain gauges. Model 1 evaluated the efficiency of a deicing system in deicing and mitigating concrete deterioration from thermal stresses and frost action in concrete bridge decks, while Model 2 tested the effect of a deicing system on early-age cracking in bridge decks. The models were tested in a cold chamber laboratory under conditions representative of Montana's winter weather, with the system circulating warm fluid through the decks. Results showed the system succeeded in increasing concrete temperatures at all depths. While the system did not always raise temperatures above freezing, the consistent increases suggested that the system could enable deicing and mitigate frost action given certain conditions and higher inlet fluid temperatures. The system also successfully decreased thermal movement strain by up to 40% and reduced thermal shrinkage by decreasing the difference between peak cured and stabilized temperatures. Although the system did not eliminate thermal gradients, the maximum gradient induced was insignificant. Further testing is needed on strength impacts. Overall, the deicing system showed promise to reduce thermally induced deterioration in concrete bridge decks by regulating temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The increasing use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in the ablation of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) has raised questions about its true efficacy and safety. Methods: This retrospective study collected the periprocedural complications and PVC burden post ablation. The risk factors of PVC recurrence was further explored. Results: The study included patients treated without ICE (control group, n = 451) and with ICE (ICE group, n = 155) from May 2019 to July 2022. The ICE group demonstrated significantly lower fluoroscopy times and X-ray doses. There were no major complications in the ICE group, and the difference in the occurrence of periprocedural complications between the groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.072). The long-term success rates were similar for the control and ICE groups (89.6% and 87.1%, respectively). The origin of PVCs was identified as the independent factor for ablation success. Conclusions: The use of ICE did not confer an advantage with regard to long-term success in PVCs ablation. To thoroughly evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ICE in PVCs ablation, a prospective, multicenter, randomized study is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing interest in flexible superhydrophobic surfaces extends beyond various practical applications like solar panels, flexible electronics, etc. This study introduces a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly method to create a durable, flexible, and optically semi‐transparent superhydrophobic film with an extreme anti‐icing character. The prestrained polydimethylsiloxane film subjected to biofuel‐based flame treatment under controlled conditions induces microwrinkles with a superimposed cluster of nanoparticles while maintaining surface flexibility and transparency. This meticulous process enhances surface roughness, achieving superhydrophobic characteristics (θ > 165˚) with a remarkably low tilting angle (<3˚) with adhesion against water <2 µN (lower than Lotus leaf). The films applied over solar panels result in <1% voltage drop within 5 s due to effective cleaning under simulated rain. The remarkable anti‐icing performance of the developed film is characterized by ice adhesion <25 kPa over 50 icing/de‐icing cycles attributed to the presence of nanoclusters. The films displayed exceptional resilience and sustained efficacy under prolonged exposure to harsh external environments. These superhydrophobic films, characterized by flexibility, durability, and transparency, present promising opportunities for fabricating structures, even with intricate geometries. These findings imply a significant stride in the practical utilization of superhydrophobic surfaces, demonstrating their potential in diverse real‐world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the uniaxial compressive strength of distilled water ice prepared in a low-temperature laboratory at −30 °C at varying wind speeds of 0 m/s, 1 m/s, 2 m/s, 4 m/s, 6 m/s, and 8 m/s. The crystal structure and grain size of the ice were measured. The results indicated that, during the ice forming period, the higher the wind speed, the lower the grain size. Uniaxial compression tests were conducted parallel to the ice crystal long axis direction within a strain rate range of 10−6 s−1 to 10−2 s−1. The experimental temperature was controlled at −10 °C. Stress–strain curves were generated, elucidating the mechanical properties and failure modes of the ice. The results suggest that the uniaxial compressive strength of ice is related to the strain rate by a power–law function and shows a linear correlation with −1/2 power of grain size. The results explain the physical fact that the strength of ice is higher when the ice is formed in low-temperature and high-wind-speed environments. Additionally, this highlights how wind speed influences ice strength by controlling grain size during ice forming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As global climate change intensifies, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, with ice disasters posing an increasingly significant threat to the stable operation of power distribution networks. Particularly during power outages for de-icing, multiple power islands may form within a distribution area, increasing the complexity of grid operations. Existing research has not fully considered the comprehensive coordination of stable operation of these power islands and de-icing maintenance schedules. Therefore, for the potential multi-island operation of distribution networks caused by freezing disasters, this paper first establishes a dynamic island partitioning model based on distribution network reconfiguration technology. Secondly, based on the characteristics of the de-icing phase, a de-icing maintenance schedule model is established. Finally, dispatch optimization of the distribution network is coordinated with the line de-icing maintenance schedule. By adjusting the de-icing strategies and network structure, the aim is to minimize the risk of load loss. The relevant case analysis indicates that the collaborative optimization model established in this paper helps power distribution networks to reduce their economic losses when facing adverse weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]