The Significance of Advanced Structural Fabrication Techniques on Aircraft Lightning Protection

The basic electromagnetic shielding of conventional riveted aluminum aircraft construction provides inherent protection to the aircraft systems and occupants against the hazards of lightning discharges. The increased use of adhesively bonded construction techniques on structures of future aircraft indicates a potential reduction in the basic electrical continuity of the airframe. The significance of the conductivity reduction on aircraft lightning protection will be evaluated for various proposed construction techniques, including: bonded honeycomb skin panels, bonded skin joints, bonded basic structure, and different types of monocoque construction. The discussion examines related problems that have been encountered in designing protection for aluminum aircraft.