Composite Lightning Portection

[kgearhart]

I am looking for a source for aluminum scrim(?) or thin sheeting that can be applied over laminates to provide lightning protection. This is for aviation application in an experimental aircraft. I would also appreciate any other guidance to sources for lightning protection of small aircraft. I already have the book Lightning Protection of Aircraft, but need real world sources for products and "how to" procedures that it discribes.

Kurt G.

 

[Kenneth]

Wil Taylor listed an number of specs in thread16-20511 that may be useful to you...

 

[USACompositeGuy]

I would use what we call flame spray! It is very easy to apply and very effective. Let me know if you need more information.

 

[JimMetalsCeramics]

Look for "RF shielding".

 

[rerig]

What you need is "Astrostrike". (google search, "Astrostrike&quot
It is an Aluminum or Copper wire screen, applied with fiberglass resin.
Flamespray is good for production runs, but requires a Flame-spray Oxy-Acetylene rig to apply it.
Some commercial aircraft use 0.010" aluminum sheet bonded to the surface (of flat panels)and attached to the graphite or aluminum frame at fastener locations.
Also, a sprayed on "Conductive Coat" could be used under the primer & topcoat.
But most Military Transport & Commercial aircraft use the Wire mesh or Flamespray at Wing & Stab. Tips.

Glen R. (Repair Station Engineer)

 

[edrush]

I heard a rumor that carbon fiber is conductive. Apache/Blackhawk external fuel tanks are made with a tow of carbon in with the glass wind. Maybe this approach would work?

 

[akat]

simple and easy.

You should use what is called a Expanded Aluminum Foil (EAF) manufactured by Exmet. It is probably a dry mesh that they supply, but you can use it with wetlayup or prepreg.

If you prefer a prepregged mesh, try prepreggers on the East Coast. Newport Adhesives is one of them.

Procedure for layup : just like any layer of prepreg. The outer most ply on the aircraft needs to be the EAF.

Caution: if your aircraft is predominantly carbon cloth, then you might want to avoid Aluminum and choose copper mesh again from the same folks.

Let me know if you need further information.




AK

 

[RPstress]

On carbon prepreg laminates we use copper mesh (alumesh on glass). Try

http://www.prepregs.com/SG4528-015CU-101.PDF

and

http://www.prepregs.com/SG4528-028AL-105.PDF

.

It is typically the second layer put in the tool, going in after a surfacing film (often the surfacing film is just a layer of film adhesive).