Simulation Calculation of Maximum Lightning Attachment Distance of Aviation Aircraft

Abstract

Lightning as a destructive atmospheric discharge phenomenon is always a serious threat to the flight safety of aviation aircraft. To study the influence range of aircraft on a lightning leader, an aviation aircraft simulation model has been established. Based on the theoretical model of lightning attachment conditions, the simulation calculation of the maximum lightning attachment distance of the aircraft has been obtained. The results show that electric field distribution at the tip of the aircraft's nose reaches a peak on the outside of the surface, and then decreases exponentially; the value of the electric field on the aircraft surface mainly depends on the distance from the lightning leader; when the aircraft rises from an altitude of 1km to 3km, the maximum lightning attachment distance is expanded from 58m to 75m. The results can provide a theoretical reference for the lightning protection research and safe flight airspace range of the aircraft.