Assessment of Airfoil Lightning Strikes Characterization on Aircraft in Dynamic Conditions

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Lightning is a long-gap high-current discharge event in nature, and its enormous discharge energy can cause structural damage to struck objects. Relevant studies have shown that aircraft in the air are exposed to a higher risk of lightning strikes than ground objects. However, most studies on aircraft lightning strikes have used static models, and there are still shortages of research objects under high-speed movements. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an investigation of the lightning strike characteristics of aircraft under dynamic conditions to ensure flight safety fully. In this study, the lightning strike characteristics of airfoil under dynamic conditions have been simulated by studying two variables, airspeed and angle of attack, while employing the Leader Progression Model (LPM). The results show that adjustments in the angle of attack cause changes in the atmospheric pressure field, and a maximum pressure difference of up to 5.44 × 104 Pa is observed at the angle of attack of 15°, which results in a change in the average electric field strength Estr, leading to a 33.63% difference in the upward leader trigger height. At an airspeed equal to 120 m/s, the trigger height in the low-pressure region is only 54.7% of that in the high-pressure region (435 m and 795 m, respectively). A higher lightning strike risk is found in areas of higher air pressure and is positively correlated with angle of attack and airspeed.