Optical Techniques For the Analysis of Outgassing of Composite Aircraft Joints Under Lightning

The outgassing of composite aircraft joints are being investigated in the PROTEST project, and part of the project includes the development of diagnostics for the characterization and analysis of outgassing events under lightning strike conditions. Real time light emission diagnostics have been developed at the Morgan-Botti Lightning Laboratory using low cost photodiodes to provide in-depth information on the light emission of outgassing within a nutcap. The data obtained from the testing provides additional metrics for the classification of outgassing events by providing timing information of first light detection, time to peak light and peak light. The system provides more detailed data than stills photography including temporal and light intensity data.