Electro-repulsive separation system for deicing

Abstract

An electroexpulsive separation apparatus suitable for deicing of the leading edges of aircraft includes a pair of sheet-like arrays each containing in spaced-apart relationship a plurality of parallel ribbon-shaped electrically conductive members. The electrically conductive members are electrically interconnected such that any electrical current flowing in the conductive members flows in the same direction in adjacent electrically conductive members in the first sheet like member and also flows in adjacent electrically conductive members of the second sheet-like array in a direction opposite. The first and second sheet-like arrays are coextensive and superposed proximate to each other such that the electrically conductive members of the first and second sheet-like members are substantially parallel. The electrically conductive members are electrically insulated from one another. Large current pulses of predetermined magnitude, shape and duration are fed to the conductors from a power storage unit resulting in rapid and forceful separation of the first and second sheet-like arrays and other members associated therewith. The separation force for a given conductor, physical arrangement and current pulse is much greater than that of prior known devices.