Temperature Rise on the Rear Side of CFC Panels Due to Lightning Continuing Currents

The temperature rise on the rear side of protected carbon fiber composite (CFC) panels caused by lightning continuing currents was determined. Painted CFC-panels with a thickness of 1, 2 and 3 mm were tested. Rectangular currents with an amplitude of 400 A and 800 A were used. The duration of the currents was varied from 20 ms to 50 ms representing the typical dwell time expected for zone 2A. Additional experiments with an exponential decaying current were carried out for comparison purposes.

The temperature on the rear side of the panels was determined with a thermograph based on an infrared (IR) camera system. Arc movement and delamination at the arc root was observed with a high speed camera.