Airfoil with integral de-icer using overlapped tubes

A structural member having integral surface de-icing capability comprising:

• a) a non-metallic high tensile modulus fiber reinforced matrix structural composite substructure;
• b) a high tensile modulus outer skin;
• and
• c) thin force and displacement generation means including a plurality of inflatable tubular elements extending lengthwise along said outer skin;
• said force and displacement means being subjacent and bonded to said outer skin, and further overlying and bonded to said substructure;
• said plurality of inflatable tubular elements having at least two laterally adjacent tubular elements that are overlapped and bonded widthwise along respective edge portions whereby inflation of one tube causes a strain inducing displacement of said adjacent tube.

A method of making a tubular fluid displacement de-icer for a leading edge, the method comprising:

• a) forming an ice accreting outer skin;
• b) forming a multitube force and displacement mat by laying adjacent inflatable displacement tubes lengthwise parallel, and joining said tubes widthwise in an overlapping manner;
• c) forming a support substructure;
• d) curing and bonding the combined outer skin, force and displacement mat and substructure at elevated temperature and pressure to provide said de-icer.