Have you ever been in a plane, ready to take to the skies, and they tell you there’s been a delay? That’s right, they have to de-ice the plane. It may be annoying, but if you have a window seat near a wing, it can be an interesting process to observe. You may also be interested to know that magnets are usually involved.  The accumulation of ice on the wings of planes and on helicopter rotors can be dangerous. Different techniques have been used through the ages, but research has advanced, and many now operate by transmitting power through magnets and coils. In such cases, electromagnetic impulses mechanically force ice from aircraft surfaces. Typically, these systems use a bank of high voltage capacitors that are discharged through a coil positioned next to the interior of a leading edge surface (e.g., a fixed wing). This causes magnetic fields to form and collapse, inducing eddy currents in the aircraft, vibrating in a way that shatters the ice layer, allowing it to be blown off the surface. 

New Magnetic Technology

Building on this existing technology, emerging de-icing inventions, specifically for helicopters, are made up of many magnets arranged around the rotor mast. A coil with laminated metal plates is then placed at the root of each blade — magnets and coils are placed to induce high voltage and current when pacing each other. Voltage pulses are converted into heat to de-ice the blades. 

Take Flight With Apex Magnets

There’s magnetic technology everywhere you look! We love being part of such an exciting field, which is why we’re happy to discuss any questions you might have about our extensive product line or how you can use them. Call us to discuss at 1-304-257-1193.