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CNT-based resistive heating for deicing composite structures

  • US 8,664,573 B2
  • Filed: 04/26/2010
  • Issued: 03/04/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/27/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A composite structure comprising:

  • a body adapted for use as a structural member of an aircraft wherein the body carries a portion of a load induced by flight of the aircraft;

    a fiber substrate dispersed through a portion of the body;

    a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that have been grown in-situ on the fiber substrate so as to be aligned and oriented perpendicular to the fiber substrate, thereby forming a CNT-infused fiber material; and

    a first electrode and a second electrode that are electrically coupled to the portion of the body that comprises the CNT-infused fiber material, wherein application of an electric current through the first and second electrodes and the intervening CNT-infused fiber material generates heat within the CNT-infused fiber material, thereby heating the body of the composite structure, thereby deicing or preventing ice formation on a surface of the composite structure.

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