Risk analysis of electromagnetic environmental effects in aircraft systems

Abstract

The system level consideration of electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) in aircraft is one of the major concerns to aviation industry. Discussion of hazardous electromagnetic environmental effects in aircraft systems includes lightning, high intensity radiated fields (HIRF), precipitation-static (P-static), portable electronic devices (PEDs), and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) issues. The electromagnetic environmental effects on aircraft have been exacerbated in recent years due to modern aircraft's increasing dependence on electronic devices for communication, navigation and flight control, and growing use of composite materials for airframe. In this paper, we review electromagnetic environmental effects in aircraft from a systems engineering perspective. Considering the complex, interrelated, and dynamic nature of electromagnetic phenomenon in aircraft, we find the systems engineering application to electromagnetic effects discussion appropriate and beneficial. In particular, we judge that risk analysis methodology is an underutilized but well-suited tool for understanding and mitigation of electromagnetic hazardous effects in aircraft systems. Herein we first introduce the Standard Risk Model (SRM), and then apply the model to electromagnetic risk events and impacts, and follow through with illustrative prioritized identifications. We next develop drivers for each risk event and impact, and finally we present the baseline risk prevention plans and associated impact contingency plans. We conclude with a summary of our findings and present future work suggestions for systems engineering application to aircraft electromagnetic environmental study and mitigation of the hazardous effects.