Finite Element Simulation and Experimental Analysis of Edge Glow for a Generic, 16-Ply Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Composite Laminate

摘要

Edge glow in carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite laminate structures is an ignition risk for composite fuel tanks and must be understood and mitigated or eliminated to ensure the safety of aircraft in the event of a lightning strike. Edge glow refers to visible light at cut edges of composite structures that can be recorded on film when high peak currents of short duration pass through composite structural members. The visible light observed can be due to blackbody radiation, electrical break down of the gasses in the immediate vicinity of the structural edge and hot plasma particles ejected due to the decomposition of the composite resins. Our analysis addresses the simulated temperatures, interply voltages and current densities from lightning direct effects in a generic 16-ply CFRP laminate coupon as a function of time and peak driving current. These simulations are compared to experimentally recorded light on film images from digital and instant photography during the driving current pulse and physical effects captured by post-test optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The insight gained from a fundamental understanding of edge glow phenomena can lead to improved edge glow mitigation and confinement schemes.