Abstract: A composite fabric electro-expulsive blanket is provided for shattering and removing ice and other fungible material from an accretion surface such as an airfoil. The blanket includes composite fabric upper and lower layers having a modulus of elasticity approximately between 10 to 100 million psi. Upper and lower conductor segments are positioned within the blanket so that when electrically energized, they repel one another so as to rapidly set the outer ice-accreting surface into motion. Bowed or loose stitches connecting the outer and inner layers become taut during the motion of the ice-accretion surface, thereby rapidly decelerating the surface and shattering accumulated ice thereon. Slits in the outer layer limit undesired hoop stress.

Abstract: A closed loop control apparatus utilizes a cooling effect sensor to measure the cooling capacity of a fluid in a supply conduit connected to one or more thermal loads. The sensor includes an electrical heater that is regulated to heat a sampled portion of the cooling fluid at a known rate, and a temperature sensor positioned downstream of the heater to measure the temperature of the heated fluid and thereby determine the cooling effect or capacity of the fluid. A control signal developed by the temperature sensor is fed back to a flow modulating valve that adjusts the flow of cooling fluid to the thermal loads.

Abstract: A closed loop control apparatus utilizes a cooling effect sensor to measure the cooling capacity of a fluid in a supply conduit connected to one or more thermal loads. The sensor includes an electrical heater that is regulated to heat a sampled portion of the cooling fluid at a known rate, and a temperature sensor positioned downstream of the heater to measure the temperature of the heated fluid and thereby determine the cooling effect or capacity of the fluid. A control signal developed by the temperature sensor is fed back to a flow modulating valve that adjusts the flow of cooling fluid to the thermal loads.