Numerical Simulation for Lightning Zoning on an Aircraft

Abstract

In this paper, a numerical simulation method based on fractal theory is presented to simulate lightning attachment points on airplane. The dielectric breakdown model is used to simulate the fractal growth of the lightning leaders, which meets physical mechanisms and geometric characteristics of nature lightning. The process of the airplane struck by lightning is simulated according to the relevant provisions about aircraft lightning attachment points test in standard SAE-ARP5416. The distribution of aircraft lightning attachment points are obtained through substantial repeated simulation. Because the probability distribution of lightning attachment obtained through the simulating is almost in line with those obtained through actual aircraft flight test, the validity of the proposed method is verified.