The Effects of High Intensity Electrical Currents on Advanced Composites

摘要

Composite materials of boron and graphite fiber are known to be vulnerable to damage as the result of high intensity electric flow, such as induced by lightning strikes. Since these highly efficient structural materials are planned for use as primary structures of advanced aircraft, a serious question of the survivability of these structures to such electric current flow has been raised. Since very little basic information was available on the effects of high intensity electric current flow in advanced composite materials, the program was initiated to perform research into such effects and to explore possible approaches that could result in improved resistance to such damage. The approach which is being followed is to first develop a basic understanding of current degradation and flow parameters and modes, and then, using that basic information, to investigate approaches toward reducing the probability and severity of such degradation.