Investigating Lightning-Induced Damage: A Comparative Analysis of CFRP Specimens Subjected to Varied Strikes, Inductance, and Charge
Topic(s) : Material science
Co-authors :
Timothy HARRELL (UNITED KINGDOM), Janice M. DULIEU-BARTON (UNITED KINGDOM), Ole T. THOMSEN (UNITED KINGDOM)Abstract :
This study investigates the impact of direct lightning strikes on Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) specimens, with a focus on damage assessment through repeated strikes, variations in inductance, and charge exposure. Four CFRP specimens underwent repeated simulated lightning strikes. Visual inspections and dimensional analyses were performed and identified consistent damage characteristics. Intriguingly, additional lightning strikes did not result in increases in damage. To probe sub-surface defects, 10mm strips were cut from specimens, revealing distinct delaminations at the edges. Thermal data indicated an exponential decay in maximum temperatures post-strike, with repeated strikes retaining heat for an extended duration, highlighting the consistency of fiber conduction paths after damage.
Four specimens were exposed to varying lightning strikes by modifying the inductance in the experimental setup. This allowed for the introduction of additional specific energy. Visual inspection showed differences in the damage area. Visual inspections, dimensional analyses, and CT scans revealed minimal sub-surface damage, while the maximum temperature evolution indicated prolonged heat retention with increased peak current and specific energy.
Four additional specimens were exposed to varying charges. The damage assessment unveiled elliptical surface damage shapes, with R-squared values suggesting charge and specific energy as superior damage indicators for DC currents compared to peak current.
This research provides valuable insights into lightning-induced damage patterns in CFRP materials, explaining the damage relationship between strike frequency, inductance variations, and charge exposure. The findings hold implications for designing resilient materials and protective measures against lightning-induced damage in composite structures.
Four specimens were exposed to varying lightning strikes by modifying the inductance in the experimental setup. This allowed for the introduction of additional specific energy. Visual inspection showed differences in the damage area. Visual inspections, dimensional analyses, and CT scans revealed minimal sub-surface damage, while the maximum temperature evolution indicated prolonged heat retention with increased peak current and specific energy.
Four additional specimens were exposed to varying charges. The damage assessment unveiled elliptical surface damage shapes, with R-squared values suggesting charge and specific energy as superior damage indicators for DC currents compared to peak current.
This research provides valuable insights into lightning-induced damage patterns in CFRP materials, explaining the damage relationship between strike frequency, inductance variations, and charge exposure. The findings hold implications for designing resilient materials and protective measures against lightning-induced damage in composite structures.