Multiphysics investigation of Ice Adhesion over PVC surface

Abstract

This work investigates the ice over a PVC (polyvinyl chloride also known as ‘PVC’) surface as a two-layer laminate model. In this study, ice was frozen over a PVC surface and allowed to adhere. The built samples were tested experimentally in a four-point loading setup. The experimental results contain strain data gathered through data acquisition system using LabView® software. The data was collected at the rate of 1 KHz per load step. This model is analysed theoretically using Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and the rule of mixtures. The correlations from Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and the rule of mixtures were coded in MATLAB® script for theoretical analysis. In addition, numerical simulations were performed using ANSYS® Multiphysics. The FEM model of ice and PVC sample was built using solid elements. The mesh was tested for its sensitivity. Finally theoretical results, experimental results and numerical simulation results were compared. A good agreement between the results was observed.