Focused ultrasonic transducer for aircraft icing detection

Ultrasonic detection technique (UDT) serves as a pivotal method for monitoring aircraft icing conditions. However, the inherently porous and irregular shape of atmospheric ice leads to a pronounced attenuation of ultrasonic wave energy during propagation. Current ultrasonic transducers (UTs) fall short of meeting the requisite sensitivity and depth parameters for effective detection. This study proposes an innovative focused ultrasonic transducer (FUT) designed to extend the range of ice detection capabilities. Constructed using a 1–3 piezoelectric composite configuration, this FUT is characterized by its flexibility and slender profile. The focusing effect was accomplished through a deliberate bending mechanism. The FUT demonstrates its efficacy in detecting ice on aluminium skin surfaces. Furthermore, we validated the focusing effect and conducted a thorough optimization process. A comparative analysis between the FUT and traditional planar UTs revealed that the FUT enhances detection energy by approximately 30%, while also nearly doubling the detection range for glaze ice. These findings underscore the FUT’s promising potential for applications in the detection of substantial ice.