Modeling of lightning effects on simple structures and helicopter airframes using FDTD

Gerasimos Ballas, Constantine Balanis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

One critical problem that as aircraft may encounter during a flight is lightning. The effects of lightning can be roughly distinguished as direct and indirect. The direct effects are closely related to the points where the lightning arc enters and exits the aircraft. Examples of different effects include melting of the aircraft skin, puncture of nonconducting externally mounted parts and sparks in the fuel system. The indirect effects have to do with the magnetic and electric fields coupled to the interior of the aircraft. These can cause temporary upset or even permanent damage to the electronic equipment of the aircraft. The mechanisms through which this coupling can happen are resistive voltage drop on the airframe structure and through apertures, such as windows. Even with no apertures, the lightning current flowing in the metal wall of the airframe produces a non-zero magnetic field at the interior. This field together with the resistive voltage drop form the diffusion mechanism. In this paper the lightning current on a structure is modeled using FDTD. Then the diffusion mechanism is described for simple cylindrical structures and simulation results are shown. Finally, results on a Blackhawk helicopter structure excited with a lightning pulse are presented.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationIEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium
Subtitle of host publicationWireless Technologies and Information Networks, APS 1999 - Held in conjunction with USNC/URSI National Radio Science Meeting
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages598-601
Number of pages4
Volume1
ISBN (Electronic)078035639X, 9780780356399
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1999
Event1999 IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium, APSURSI 1999 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Jul 11 1999Jul 16 1999

Other

Other1999 IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium, APSURSI 1999
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period7/11/997/16/99

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Instrumentation
  • Radiation

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