NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE INTERACTION OF A LIGHTNING AND AN AERONAUTIC SKIN DURING THE PULSED ARC PHASE

摘要

In this study, the interaction of an aeronautic skin with a lightning stroke during the pulsed arc phase has been focused. The effect of the material of the skin is emphasized by varying its conductivity while maintaining constant its thickness. Three different values of electrical conductivity are considered, corresponding to two resistive carbon skins, and a conductive aluminium skin. Numerical simulations are carried out with a 2D axi-symmetric finite-volume compressible MHD code, including Joule heating, Laplace forces and radiative fluxes. The different dynamics of the spreading of the arc root on the skin are examined up to 30 μs and compared carefully with fast camera imaging experiments carried out on the lightning facility of Onera "GRIFON". An explanation for the different dynamics observed is suggested, and a discussion on the damages on the materials is conducted.