Analysis of Direct Lightning Effects on Airborne Radomes using Simulation Techniques

Inhalt:
Lightning protection is essential for modern aircraft, especially with the increasing use of carbon composite materials. Aircraft radomes, housing crucial radar-antenna equipment, are particularly susceptible to lightning strikes. This study introduces a novel approach by using multiphysics simulation software to investigate the heating effects of lightning strikes on aircraft radomes and thus, assess the efficacy of lightning protection systems. Through high-current simulation studies on three full-scale radome models with varying numbers of diverter strips (one, two, and three), this analysis estimates the maximal temperature developed in and around the diverter strips due to lightning current. The results provide valuable insights into the impact of lightning strikes on radomes, guiding the optimization of dimensions and determining the ideal number of diverter strips to enhance lightning resilience in aircraft.