Victor Petrenko1

Victor F. Petrenko

Research Professor of Engineering, Emeritus

Research Interests

Materials science; physics of semiconductors; heat transfer and refrigeration technologies; ice physics and ice engineering; de-icing and anti-icing technology; ice and snow friction

Education

  • MS, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology 1970
  • PhD, USSR Academy of Science, Moscow 1974
  • DSc, Physics and Mathematics, USSR Academy of Science, Chernogolovka 1983

Awards

  • 2000 Discover Award for Technological Innovation

Professional Activities

  • American Materials Research Society
  • American Physical Society
  • American Chemical Society
  • American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
  • International Glaciological Society

Research Projects

  • Pulse electro-thermal de-icing

    Pulse electro-thermal de-icing

    Pulse electro-thermal de-icing (PETD) is a new method of ice removal and prevention that uses short pulses of electricity applied directly to an ice-material interface. PETD uses a thin, electrically-conductive film applied to the substrate. The film is then heated with a milliseconds-long pulse of electricity. Because only a micrometer-thin layer of ice is melted, PETD achieves nearly perfect efficiency even in extreme cold. Regular pulsing can keep surfaces consistently ice-free while maintaining low overall power consumption. Research is ongoing for the extensive applications of PETD such as de-icing of airplanes, ships, refrigeration systems, windshields, power lines, bridges and buildings, roads and walkways, and windmill turbines.

News

An Ice-Free CN Tower
Mar 07, 2011
Power defrost
Mar 07, 2011