WAYS TO INCREASE THE LIGHTNING PROTECTION OF CARBON FIBER PLASTICS

Based on the previously conducted analytical study of the destruction of conducting composites by lightning currents, methods for increasing their lightning resistance are considered. To substantiate these methods, an analysis of the current distribution at different ratios of transverse and longitudinal resistivity was carried out. One of the methods using conductive additives in the composition of the binder material allows you to influence the anisotropy of the conductive medium of carbon fiber. The parameters of the range of the degree of anisotropy of carbon fiber are proposed to achieve uniform current spreading and reduce the radius of destruction of the composite by lightning currents. The formula for the fracture radius in the absence of anisotropy is obtained and estimated calculations are performed. The method of reinforcing carbon fiber with thin wires to increase its lightning resistance is considered. Calculated expressions are found for estimating the weight, the number of delays per unit area, and the absence of overheating. Comparisons of weight characteristics for various reinforcing materials are carried out and a conclusion is made on their effectiveness. The advantages and disadvantages of this method of protection are considered. The third way to increase the lightning resistance of the composite suggests using a carbon fiber material with a woven structure as a protective coating. This protection reduces the energy release in the material and the size of the damage. It is concluded that it is necessary to control the lightning protection parameters and choose a coating with the required characteristics. The principles and criteria of lightning protection for real carbon fiber plastics will be considered in subsequent works.