Thermal-damage suppression of composite material by anti-lightning NCF/CIPCF film

Abstract

Lightning strike protection (LSP) design is significant for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), which is sensitive to lightning strikes. An anti-lightning film reinforced by nickel-coated carbon fibers/carbonyl iron powders conductivity framework (NCF/CIPCF) is designed for lightning protection of CFRP laminates. Representative volume element (RVE) models of NCF/CIPCF film are established according to random sequential addition (RSA) method. Material properties are obtained based on homogenization theory. This numerical method is validated by calculations of electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity. Subsequently, lightning damage analysis of CFRP laminates with different protections is conducted based on thermal-electric coupling method and temperature dependent ablation criteria, which aims to evaluate the suppression effects of lightning damage by this film. Results show that damage area and depth of CFRP laminates are effectively controlled by NCF/CIPCF film, which is slightly superior to aluminum at the same weight. NCF/CIPCF anti-lightning film is light and easy to repair and replace, which can be considered as an excellent and promising method in LSP design of aircraft.