What is being done to planes with a high composite material content to safely take lightning strikes?

Question

now don't anyone give me BS about the existing systems or the fact that they are not grounded. Wake Up call: composites do not conduct electricity as well as other metals like aluminum, which means resistance will be higher which means the plane could heat up. or worse

Answer 1

Composite materials can build up static. Static probes dissipate that because they are connected to the aluminum of the airframe. Oh wait, maybe that's BS. I dunno, you make the call.

Answer 2

This is an issue that has gotten a fair amount of attention with the 787, and its all-composite fuselage. The primary solution is to provide a metal wire mesh to enhance the conductivity of the airframe, along with other measures to reduce sparking.

The FAA (as well as the European equivalent EASA) has specific requirements for a very wide variety of safety concerns that must be met in order for an aircraft to be allowed to carry passengers; the ability to withstand lightning strikes safely is one of these requirements.

Answer 3

There is a display at one of the lobbies at Boeing in Everett of a composite panel with a small wire mesh embedded in it. This has the charred mark of a succesful lightning test.

The aluminum frame is also the power distribution ground. Lightning current flows through this ground.

The electrical equipment has to meet the lightning requirements of DO-160E chapt 22. This is a much more severe test than what I've been familiar with.

So, that's whats being done to safely take lighting strikes.

Answer 4

actually since composite materials dont conduct electricity, they are much less likely to be struck by lightning. remember that composite materials are insulators, not conductors.

Answer 5

conductive material is added to the composite to lessen the electrical resistance in the airframe.