Measurements and Analysis of Lightning-Induced Voltages in Aircraft Electrical Circuits

A series of measurements was made of voltages induced in electrical circuits within a metallic aircraft wing by full-scale simulated lightning currents flowing through its skin and structure. The measured data were mathematically analyzed to enable determination of voltages across load impedances to which the circuits might be connected elsewhere in the aircraft. Relationships between induced voltages and lightning current, wing structural, and circuit parameters were determined. Induced voltages of magnitudes likely to cause damage or interference with avionics were measured.