|
|
 |
|
LIGHTNING STRIKE - Lightning protection for structures and systems on aircraft utilising lightweight composites |
| |
|
This project aims to overcome the technical and certification problems for use of lightweight composites in aircraft.
|
|
| |
|
 |
Start date |
|
CFP March 04 |
|
|
Duration |
|
24 months |
|
|
EC Program Ref.: |
|
6th FP
|
|
|
|
The European Aviation industry has been quick to use composite materials especially Carbon Fibre for primary structures and flight control surfaces due to its good corrosion/fatigue properties and ease of producing accurate complex shapes. One of the difficulties of using such materials is the need to incorporate lightning protection into the structure. This brings a weight penalty on the aircraft so it is important to do it efficiently. Composite aircraft have less intrinsic electromagnetic shielding than aluminium aircraft, so it is more difficult to protect the critical avionics systems. Aircraft using composite structures require great care in lightning protection and they need this early in the design phase.
|
|
| |
|
Guidelines to help achieve safe use of composite materials will be of immediate benefit to the industry giving benefits in :
- Helping the industry develop safe lightweight, efficient aircraft
- Utilising the advanced navigation and avionics which promote safe flying in adverse weather and busy airspace.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
The programme will look at areas where lightning protection has been found difficult to design in or to certificate because of the lack of available test data and guidelines and provide proven design approaches for structures, flight control surfaces, fuel systems and avionics systems, giving lightning protection solutions, with test data to support their certification. Lightning strike impulse loads will be measured, their effects modelled, and validated against test sample results.
|
| |
|
EXPECTED RESULTS |
|
|
|
Primary study areas and outputs would be: Lightweight composite skins with carbon, glass, foam or honeycomb; lightning protection methodologies for such structures and provision of adequate bonding: Composite structural fuel tanks and elimination of ignition hazards: Avionics protection/power wiring systems protection: Canopy protection: Prove the techniques by the introducing components into different aircraft for test: Provide general guide lines for certification.
|
|
Links 
