Eliminating lightning strike damage to carbon fiber composite structures in Zone 2 of aircraft by Ni-coated carbon fiber nonwoven veils

Publication date: Available online 9 November 2018Source: Composites Science and TechnologyAuthor(s): Yunli Guo, Yongzheng Xu, Qinglin Wang, Qi Dong, Xiaosu Yi, Yuxi JiaAbstractBy using standardized Waveforms C and D, this study explored the lightning strike protection (LSP) effectiveness of nickel coated carbon fiber nonwoven veils (Ni-CFNVs) on protecting the carbon fiber composite structures in Zone 2 (aircraft lightning zoning). The post-lightning damage was evaluated by visual inspection, ultrasonic scan and residual strength test. Results showed that the Ni-CFNV of 70 g/m2 eliminated lightning strike damage inflicted by both waveforms and it even performed better than the commercial expanded copper foil of 73 g/m2. Therefore, the Ni-CFNV will be a promising alternative to metal mesh for eliminating lightning strike damage to the structures in Zone 2. The remarkable LSP effectiveness of Ni-CFNV can be explained by its integration of high electrical conductivity of Ni-coating and prominent ablation resistance of carbon fiber. The experiments indicate that not only the electrical conductivity, but also the ablation resistance of LSP layer greatly influences the LSP effectiveness.

Source: Composites Science and Technology - November 9, 2018 Category: Science Source Type: research