The Effects of Lightning Currents in Aircraft CFC Structures

Carbon fiber composites (CFCs) are widely used in the aeronautics industry because of their excellent properties, including low weight and better corrosion and fatigue resistance compared with metals such as aluminum. However, metals are still required in primary aircraft components when, for example, damage tolerance designs are used. In this study, CFC structures used in aircraft are simulated and experimental tests are carried out. The direct and indirect effects of a high current discharge through the fuselage of an aircraft are compared with experimental data to validate the proposed simulation model.