Alcore is developing an aluminium foil designed to prevent composite aircraft fuselages sustaining damage from lightning strikes. While lightning energy can be relatively easily dissipated to the ground in aircraft with conventional aluminium fuselages, the task is more difficult with composite structures. Research has found that with composites the energy of a strike is absorbed in a single spot and that localised absorption "could blow a hole" in a fuselage, says Alcore.
Various undisclosed lightning dissipation approaches are being investigated. The use of metal foils is one known solution. "These foils are placed upon the surface of the composites under the paint to absorb and dissipate any strike," says Alcore. Earlier problems bonding the foil with composite materials have been resolved, the US foil manufacturer adds. The company says it has recently taken orders for the foil technology from undisclosed major aircraft manufacturers.
ROB COPPINGER / LONDON
Source: Flight International
