Title: Performance Evaluation of Thermoplastic Composites Subjected to Representative Lightning Strike Events

Authors: Kerrick Dando, Andi Meyer, Brian Kitt, Rebeka Khajekpour, Alyssa Gonzalez

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.22.0884

Abstract: The use of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites has seen increasing application in the aerospace industry, owing to their superior toughness and high productivity, enabling novel manufacturing and assembly methods. With the integration of thermoplastics into primary structural applications, lightning strike performance must be evaluated. The comparative performance of lightning strike protection materials and schemes must also be assessed to enable novel manufacturing methodologies for future aerostructures. In this work, panels were fabricated using low-melt poly (aryl) ether ether ketone (LM-PAEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or epoxy resin systems with unidirectional or fabric carbon reinforcement. Two expanded copper foil mesh products, three paint thicknesses and two panel thicknesses were evaluated for resultant damage when subjected to lightning strike conditions with representative zone 2A test strikes. The damage profiles, panel displacement during strike, residual temperature after strike and panel performance are reported.

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Conference: SAMPE 2022

Publication Date: 2022/05/23

SKU: TP22-0000000884

Pages: 13

Price: $26.00