Re: Can't De-Icing Fluid be Used?

On Sun, 08 May 2005 20:10:04 +0200, Nomen Nescio wrote:

> Aircraft are de-iced with fluid to prevent ice accumulation during taxi and
> take off. So why can't this chemical approach be used also on the Space
> Shuttle stack?
>
> A hose and nozzle arrangement could shower the vehicle as it stands ready
> for launch. In areas particularly prone to icing, like the "bellows", why
> not sandblast these areas during manufacture to provide porosity to enhance
> retention of the de-icing fluid?
>
> The de-icing only needs to remain effective for a couple of minutes after
> blast off, no more time and probably less than terrestrial aircraft, so
> this approach might be technically feasible. Has anybody given thought to
> chemical de-icing as an effective solution to the icing problem?

Good question. The excess just runs off, and whatever doesn't run off,
evaporates during ascent.

Nescio++;
--
Craig Fink
Courtesy E-Mail Welcome @ WeBeGood@xxxxxxxxx
.

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