Patent ID: 6279856
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: B64D

Abstract:
An aircraft structure comprising a surface that includes a leading edge, and a heat-conducting tape bonded to the surface for electrothermally removing ice from or preventing the formation of ice on the surface, the heat-conducting tape comprising a first area that forms a parting strip having a length disposed spanwise along the leading edge, a second area disposed spanwise above and aft of the parting strip forming a first ice accumulation and shedding zone, and a third area disposed spanwise below and aft of the parting strip, forming a second ice accumulation and shedding zone,wherein the heat-conducting tape comprises at least two layers laminated to each other under heat and pressure, the layers comprising (i) an outer heat-conducting layer that is an electrical insulator, and (ii) a non-metallic electrical and heat-conducting layer connected to a power source, the non-metallic electrical and heat-conducting layer consisting of a continuous flexible expanded graphite foil sheet having a first thickness in the parting strip, a second thickness in the first ice accumulation and shedding zone, and a third thickness in the second ice accumulation and shedding zone,wherein the thickness of the flexible expanded graphite foil sheet in the parting strip is greater than the thickness of the foil in each of the first and the second ice accumulation and shedding zones.