An Analysis of the Susceptibility of Electric Aircraft to Lightning Strikes

This paper explores the indirect risks of lightning strikes to electric aircraft. We present background on potential impacts, field testing, strike zones, electrical subsystems, and mitigation techniques involved in the analysis of impact of lightning strikes. An explanation of the theory behind the Transmission Line Matrix method is also presented. A commercial tool, CST Studio Suite, was used to model a lightning strike to an aircraft-like structure. Electric field probes are used to analyze the field changes within and outside the aircraft. Additionally, the surface currents on the aircraft are analyzed. Simulations are developed to explore the impact of skin thickness on the level of penetration of electric field on the aircraft subsystems. The results suggests that design based on appropriate parameters for metal skin aircraft can reduce the likelihood of subsystem interference or catastrophic failure of aircraft electrical systems.