Lightning Research at National Institute for Aviation Research: Development of Fastener Sparking Threshold Database for Metal Fuel Tanks: Inception

Abstract

At the request of industry, the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR), an aviation research center at Wichita State University (WSU), has begun a research project with the goal of creating a standardized approach to compliance that includes the creation and publication of an industry- and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-endorsed Fuel Tank Lightning Protection Design Handbook. Consequently, a three-phase Kansas Aviation Research and Technology (KART)- and FAA-sponsored program was initiated at NIAR, with the purpose of conducting independent research to provide the applicant with an understanding of key sensitivity parameters that influence fastener sparking thresholds, substantiated by a lightning test-validated database. This database will provide real tangible value at every step of its development and, when completed, will allow the designer to select fasteners with proper sparking thresholds that are adequate for the company's individual design, thus resulting in a corresponding decrease in the magnitude of total testing. This paper provides program background and implementation philosophy, the current status of Phase 1 of the program, achieved milestones, and a future outlook.