How much frost...

LongRoadBob said:
Frost is a buildup which I think would be more susceptible to continuing to build up even after engine start and taxiing? Or even as you fly.
Paint is normally smooth and polished, and even when cracked isn’t as ragged as frost, which often covers a large expanse of the wing and leading edge. And should actually be repainted. Shouldn’t it? It degrades performance too doesn’t it, but it isn’t as irregular as frost buildup. Also frost has weight associated with it. The original paint was factored in, and the overall affect of it flossing off is it gets lighter not heavier.
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The issue with frost is neither weight nor continued buildup. It produces a rough surface that can trip laminar flow to turbulent and turbulent to separated. It can be unpredictable, and the amount it takes to have an effect can be small if it develops in a critical location. Paint irregularities and bugs can and have had similar effects. Paint stripes with raised edges (tape lines) have been shown to have a significant effect on some canards, and gliders get their wings cleaned of bugs frequently to preserve laminar flow. All can have a similar effect, but frost is the one that has gotten the most attention.

Tantalum said:
That's it.. and it builds up fast.. and unless you exit the conditions it's just going to keep building up. Trace -> 1/8th of an inch -> 1/4 inch -> 1/2 inch... etc. Next thing you know the plane stops flying and it's too late
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Seems several people in this thread are conflating frost and icing. They are different phenomena with different characteristics and different effects. Accumulation is not the risk with frost, it is a much more immediate effect when it's bad enough to show an effect.

Nauga,
chilled
 
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