The work performed since the beginning of the project up to its final complexion has encompassed a large variety of activities covering aspects such as the fundamentals of the basic mechanisms of de-icing and melting by AW, the development of new AW device designs and manufacturing technologies for it, the investigation of more efficient and robust ice detection systems, the set up of advanced electronic detection and activation devices for automatic operation and the fabrication of a series of final proof of concept devices with different configurations (monolithic with piezoelectric films on non-piezoelectric substrates, monolithic on piezoelectric plates and superstrate configurations on non-piezoelectric substrates). All these activities have served as a first step to test the scalability of the technology. Moreover, other project outputs include the development of efficient anti-icing and superhydrophobic solutions, which are compatible with the transmission of AWs and therefore useful for protecting and providing multifunctionality to the various AW devices developed in the project.
This work has required the use and, in various cases, the development of new methodologies covering aspects such simulation and modeling by atomic Molecular dynamics and Finite Element methods, the advanced characterization of the icing processes in dedicated icing facilities, the development of new coating deposition methods and the use of laser technologies for surface engineering, an the advanced design and prototyping of microelectrodes and the analysis of AW and SAW propagation modes or the implementation of new electronic principles for a smart control of the devices.
All these results have been disseminated and, aiming to exploit their potential, are being subjected to patenting whenever this is deemed possible and convenient for the future. Regarding potential exploitation, SOUNDofICE has filed five patent applications (with two more expected by autumn 2025), one utility model, and one industrial secret. Additionally, the consortium of partners has implemented an active publication policy, resulting in 32 articles published in scientific journals and 57 presentations at conferences, including plenary sessions, invited talks, and keynote addresses. They have also organized two international conferences and symposia, as well as one industrial workshop. Furthermore, the consortium has participated in trade fairs and entrepreneur meetings and has conducted numerous outreach events, utilizing various platforms and social media for communication.
