ICE, why and how.

[Jet_Dreamer]

to all the 'ice' know-it-alls:

why does ice form on the small things first (rivets, temp. probes, spinner tips, etc...)

why does the ice form first on the tail (small air foil?)

please be descriptive, thanks!

 

[Jmmccutc]

why does the ice form first on the tail (small air foil?)

it's due to the fact that a narrow airfoil, or an antenna "cuts" the air better...as air impacts the leading edge of a surface moving through it, there are pressure waves created, the wider the surface the larger the waves...these pressure waves have the ability to alter airflow slightly enough to slow moistier from impacting the leading edge and keeps ice from froming as rapidly on these larger surfaces, the less disturbed air arround a thinner leading edge allow more moister to impact that given surface, hence more ice.

 

[Jet_Dreamer]

thanks, any one else?