Comparison of lightning strike behavior between carbon fiber reinforced materials with thermoset resin matrix and thermoplastic resin matrix

Abstract

One of the weak points of the structures made of carbon fibre reinforced materials and thermosetting matrix is its mechanical impact behavior. In order to improve it, materials reinforced with carbon fiber and thermoplastic resin matrix are under study. In addition to the mechanical properties there are other factors to consider before introducing any structural material in the manufacturing of an aircraft, such as its lightning strike behavior. Materials properties that influence this behavior are mainly electrical, thermal and also mechanical; and these properties are modified from thermoset resins to thermoplastics. Within the Clean Sky program Airbus Defense and Space has carried out preliminary tests on flat panels manufactured by Fidamc with a carbon fibre reinforced material and thermoplastic resin matrix with two different configurations, both layout and additional (with and without metallization) The tests objective was the evaluation and comparison of the damages obtained after a lightning strike in flat panels made of traditional materials (thermoset matrix) with those made with new thermoplastic matrix materials. Both the mechanical damage and the temperatures generated in the material (using a thermal camera during the test) were analyzed in order to compare the thermal behavior of the thermoplastic matrix against the thermostable. This article shows the work done as well as results and conclusions.