NASA Tested Supercooled Droplets in Cleveland

Researchers studied icing risks to improve aircraft safety using specialized equipment in the Icing Research Tunnel.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Severe Weather

A stainless steel aerofoil section mounted inside an industrial wind tunnel, surrounded by a fine mist of suspended water droplets. — NASA researchers at the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland have concluded testing on supercooled large droplet icing, aiming to bolster aircraft safety against extreme weather. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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NASA researchers have completed tests at the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland to better understand supercooled large droplet icing. The study aims to improve safety by analyzing how large water droplets can bypass existing aircraft ice protection systems.

Why it matters

Understanding how large droplets interact with aircraft is vital for aviation safety, as these particles can bypass traditional ice protection systems. Improved modeling data helps ensure that future aviation technologies are better equipped to handle extreme weather conditions.

NASA scientists utilized probes to measure droplets exceeding 45 microns in diameter within the Icing Research Tunnel. These supercooled droplets remain liquid below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a challenge for standard icing physics models.

The players

NASA

The United States government agency responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

Glenn Research Center

A NASA facility located in Cleveland that specializes in aeronautics and space flight research.

The details

Researchers performed real-time analysis of droplet sizes by mating data from new probes with results from secondary sensors. The team focused on droplets up to 2,000 microns in diameter, which is significantly larger than the standard 100-micron range typical of aviation icing.

The research progress was reported on October 5, 2026.

Seasonal Patterns

This research utilizes the Icing Research Tunnel at the Glenn Research Center to expand on established aviation safety standards. The study follows the pattern set by ongoing efforts to refine aerospace physics models against extreme icing conditions.

While these tests are focused on aviation, they contribute to the development of safer aerospace technology for public and commercial travel. Future findings from this research will be shared with the broader aerospace community to enhance flight safety protocols.

The takeaway

Supercooled large droplets present a unique hazard to aviation because they can remain liquid at temperatures well below freezing. Ongoing research into these particles ensures that future aircraft ice protection systems are better suited for challenging atmospheric environments.