Aircraft Fuel System Lightning Protection Design and Qualification TestProcedures Development

摘要

The Navy and the Air Force recognized the need for improved test procedures forevaluating the lightning protection design of aircraft fuel systems. Under their sponsorship, a program to develop adjustable, standard ignition sources which could be used to calibrate techniques for detecting ignition sources during lightning testing was established. The minimum ignition levels of voltage sparks and hot spots were established under the program before it was terminated due to funding problems. The present program under FAA sponsorship, is a continuation of the original program. The Standard Voltage Spark Ignition Source and the Standard Hot Spot Ignition Source were completed and documented. The most promising approach for developing a Standard Thermal Spark Ignition Source was determined and is presented. Photographic detection techniques were investigated and the limitations determined. The presence of light on a photographic film indicated the possibility of an ignition source but can not confirm the ignition probability (if any). Hydrogen mixtures appear to provide the ability to have adjustable ignition probabilities and low energy (low over-pressure) ignitions.