- Undergraduate
Undergraduate Experience
Quick Links
- Graduate
Graduate Experience
Quick Links
- Research
Research by Program Area
Quick Links
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
