Lightning strike damage behavior of zirconium carbide and copper modified short-carbon-fiber-reinforced boron phenolic resin composites under 200 kA

Abstract

By using artificial lightning of standardized Waveform A, this study explored the lightning strike protection (LSP) effect of zirconium carbide (ZrC) and copper (Cu) modified short-carbon-fiber-reinforced boron phenolic resin composites under a current peak of 200 kA. Based on the results of visual observation, micro-morphologies characterization, three-dimensional shapes and X-ray detection, we observed a remarkable LSP effect in this composite, which can be attributed to the high bending strength of the laminated structure, and the well thermal resistance of ZrC. Meanwhile, the addition of Cu powders with concentrations of 10% was demonstrated to enable efficiently withstand the lightning strike and prevent crack propagation since the electrically conductive path. Our findings proposed a promising LSP skin material for the aircraft, which will maintain structural stability under the impact of a lightning strike.