Stopping Ice Formation on Surfaces: The Power of Electric Fields

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of using electromagnetic fields to prevent ice formation on surfaces. Participants agree that time-varying electromagnetic (EM) fields, such as those produced by sunlight or microwaves, can generate heat and potentially melt ice. Static electric fields may polarize ice, possibly affecting its melting point, while static magnetic fields are unlikely to influence temperature due to ice's diamagnetic properties. The conversation highlights the intersection of electrical engineering and material science in understanding these phenomena.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic fields and their properties
  • Basic knowledge of material science, particularly dielectric and diamagnetic materials
  • Familiarity with the principles of heat generation through electromagnetic radiation
  • Concept of polarization in dielectric materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of time-varying electromagnetic fields on ice melting
  • Explore the principles of dielectric materials and their behavior under electric fields
  • Investigate the role of static electric fields in altering the melting point of ice
  • Study the properties of diamagnetic materials and their interaction with magnetic fields
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, material scientists, and researchers interested in innovative methods for ice prevention and thermal management.

cippy31
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Hi guys, brand-new simpleton here.
Quick question: would it be possible to stop ice formation on a cold surface with an electromagnetic field? How strong should it be (if possible)?
Thank you!
 
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Time varying EM fields that is an EM Wave definitely would melt ice, as it produces heat. I am not sure about static Electric or Magnetic Field.
 
You mean kinda like a microwave oven? Hmmmm...yes, that might work.
Thank you!
 
So did you get what you were looking for? As i don't think i have answered it completely. Even the question seems incomplete to me. It doesn't have relevant data.
 
I think so, but if you or someone else wants to intervene some more I certainly don't mind.
Actually I was trying to understand if the concept at large was feasible or not, theoretically speaking.
 
cippy31 said:
I think so, but if you or someone else wants to intervene some more I certainly don't mind.
Actually I was trying to understand if the concept at large was feasible or not, theoretically speaking.

Okay, as i read the question again it seems to be more related to 'MATERIAL SCIENCE'. As i am an Electrical engineering student i don't study much of Material Science. But i am sure there are many people here at PF who are good at it. And they would help you understand this if you ask the right question. I mean the question you asked is incomplete. Still i will try to answer this and i would appreciate if someone expert in Material science corrects me.

Electrically Ice is non conducting Dielectric material.
Magnetically it is Diamagnetic.

How i think Electromagnetic field will effect ice?

1) Time varying EM Fields, the simplest example is sun light, it would definitely effect the temperature of ICE as i told you earlier.

2) Static Electric Field: It would effect it effect it as it affects a dielectric material. It will polarize it. Whether it will raise the temperature or not? I haven't studied it. But i think it will, because as we increase the strength of Electric Field the the polarisation will increase and this can effect the melting/boiling point of water

3) Static Magnetic Field: A diamagnetic material isn't affected by Magnetic Filed. So i don't think it would affect temperature.

I have just said things which i can remember from my first year and high school. Sorry i can't help further.
 

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