Research on Lightning Strike Effects on CFRP Aircraft Structure at JAXA and Contribution to International Standardization

Abstract

This paper presents research performd at JAXA on the lightning-induced damage to CFRP. The effect of lightning current on aircraft CFRP structures is complex, involving multiple physical phenomena that couple in a very short period of time, and the detailed damage mechanism is not fully understood. Both experimental and numerical approaches have been used to clarify the damage mechanisms of CFRP caused by direct lightning strikes and edge-glow phenomena. Additionally, this paper discusses the contributions of research findings to international standardization activities, for improving aircraft safety and accelerating development.