NASA SBIR 01-II Solicitation

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Aircraft icing severity depends on two key cloud parameters, liquid water content and droplet size. Proposed is a simple instrument using multiple hot wire elements to measure cloud droplet size (median volume diameter) and liquid water content.

The unit utilizes three hot wire sensor elements each of a different geometry, all exposed to the same airflow. By virtue of their different sizes/shapes, the elements have different measurment efficiencies with respect to droplet diameter.

Liquid water content is determined by the total amount of water measured by all three elements. Droplet median volume diameter is determined by the response differences between the three elements. The range of droplet measurement includes super large droplets SLD).

The proposed instrument has no moving parts, no optics and emits no electromagnetic radiation. It is a first principles device capable of complete calibration. Its response time is under one second.

Total frontal area of the instrument is less than four square inches. Less than 500 watts of power are required for operation in continuous icing conditions. The operational airspeed range is compatible with operational jet and turboprop transport aircraft.

Applications include icing research and operational cockpit warning for icing and SLD conditions.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
1. GA and Commercial Cockpit Warning Device for Icing Severity, including warning of SLD conditions

2. Frequency of Occurance Survey instrument to conduct gather data from the GA and Commercial fleet in regards to icing certification requirements

3. Transfer standard for intercomparison of Icing Test Facilities

4. Stand alone certification instrument for FAA aircract certification projects.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Lyle Lilie
Science Engineering Associates
114 C Mansfield Hollow Road, Box 605
Mansfield Center , CT   06250 - 0605

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Science Engineering Associates
114 C Mansfield Hollow Road, Box 605
Mansfield Center , CT   06250 - 0605