Hybrid acoustic and induction-heating systems and methods for impeding formation of ice

Abstract

An airfoil comprises a skin, comprising an external surface and an internal surface, opposite the external surface. The skin is magnetically and electrically conductive. The airfoil also comprises an interior space, formed by the skin. The internal surface faces the interior space. The airfoil additionally comprises a leading edge along the external surface. The airfoil further comprises a hybrid acoustic induction-heating system, configured to impede formation of ice on the external surface. The hybrid acoustic induction-heating system comprises an induction coil within the interior space. At least a portion of the induction coil is sufficiently close to the internal surface to produce an eddy current in the skin when an alternating electrical current is flowing in the induction coil. The hybrid acoustic induction-heating system also comprises at least one magnet within the interior space. At least the one magnet is configured to produce a steady-state magnetic field within the skin.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.