Simulating Thermal Expansion in Composites with Expanded Metal Foil for Lightning Protection

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is comprised of more than fifty percent carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) due to the material’s light weight and exceptional strength. Figure 1 shows the extensive use of composite materials throughout the aircraft. Although CFRP composites inherently have many advantages, they cannot mitigate the potentially damaging electromagnetic effects from a lightning strike. To solve this problem, electrically conductive expanded metal foil (EMF) can be added to the composite structure layup to rapidly dissipate excessive current and heat for lightning protection of CFRP in aircraft.