An Effective and Durable Icephobic Coating for Turbomachinery Inlet Components

Creare proposes to develop novel icephobic coatings for F-35 turbomachinery inlet components. Our baseline approach explores the use of two easily applied silicone-based coating technologies specifically engineered for challenging lift fan and engine compressor geometries. Our integration leverages Creare’s decades of advances in turbomachinery development with the advanced aerospace coating expertise of two of our partners. We will work with turbomachine original equipment manufacturers to develop and demonstrate this technology. Our innovation will significantly reduce the use of engine anti-ice and de-icing systems, and improve aircraft performance and safety in icing conditions. In Phase I we will demonstrate coating characteristics to prevent ice buildup in a sophisticated icing wind tunnel to simulate inflight icing conditions. This will guide development of innovative strategies for coating the surface of complex geometries. Phase II will test full-scale turbofan engine inlet components in an environmentally controlled, low-temperature research facility.