CNT-based resistive heating for deicing composite structures
AssigneeApplied Nanostructured Solutions, LLC
InventorsTushar K. Shah, Harry C. Malecki, Daniel Jacob Adcock
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Abstract
A composite structure includes a matrix material and a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused fiber material that includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) infused to a fiber material. The CNT-infused fiber material is disposed throughout a portion of the matrix material. The composite structure is adapted for application of a current through the CNT-infused fiber material to provide heating of the composite structure. A heating element includes a CNT-infused fiber material includes a plurality of CNTs infused to a fiber material. The CNT-infused fiber material is of sufficient proportions to provide heating to a structure in need thereof.
Claims25
A composite structure comprising:
- a body adapted for use as a structural member of an aircraft wherein the body carries a portion of a load induced by flight of the aircraft;
- a fiber substrate dispersed through a portion of the body;
- a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that have been grown in-situ on the fiber substrate so as to be aligned and oriented perpendicular to the fiber substrate, thereby forming a CNT-infused fiber material;
- and
- a first electrode and a second electrode that are electrically coupled to the portion of the body that comprises the CNT-infused fiber material, wherein application of an electric current through the first and second electrodes and the intervening CNT-infused fiber material generates heat within the CNT-infused fiber material, thereby heating the body of the composite structure, thereby deicing or preventing ice formation on a surface of the composite structure.
A method, comprising the steps of:
- growing a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in-situ on a fiber substrate such that the CNTs are aligned and oriented perpendicular to the fiber substrate, thereby forming a CNT-infused fiber material;
- forming a composite structure of an aircraft, wherein the composite structure is adapted to carry a portion of a load induced by flight of the aircraft, the composite structure having a body having a portion that comprises the CNT-infused fiber material;
- electrically coupling a first electrode and a second electrode to the portion of the body that comprises the CNT-infused fiber material, wherein application of an electric current through the first and second electrodes and the intervening CNT-infused fiber generates heat within the CNT-infused fiber material, thereby heating the body of the composite structure, thereby deicing or preventing ice formation on a surface of the composite structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.