Electromagnetic behavior analysis of aircraft composite under lightning direct effect

The paper presents a study on the electromagnetic behavior of aircraft composite when lightning strikes on an aircraft. As the lightning phenomenon and its direct effect are very complex, the intrinsic electric characteristics of composite material are thus needed to be understood for lightning strike protection. Effective medium method is employed to model carbon fiber composite. By using an example, electric fields and magnetic fields of composite have been studied. The results have shown that the current-carrying capability of composite can be improved if the effective electric conductivity of composite increases.