Technical Papers and Presentations

This paper presents multiphysics modeling of coupled thermal-electrical behavior across the composite joints formed by highly anisotropic conductivity materials such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) under lightning strike conditions and demonstrates the driving physics behind the high current conduction across the joints formed by composite materials such as carbon-carbon, but separated by intentional dielectric barriers including adhesive. The joints can be formed in any direction of the carbon fiber composite panel. The multiphysics model combines a quasi-static electromagnetics interface with a transient formulation using the Heat Transfer Module of COMSOL Multiphysics^® simulation software. To represent high current conduction environment, lightning current waveforms away from the joints were included in the multiphysics model that could demonstrate the non-linear effects impacting high current conduction across the composite joints. The model was evaluated under a number of different scenarios to study the non-linear effects of lightning strikes on the composite joints. To experimentally validate the high current conduction study on carbon fiber laminates, the modeling approach was extended to an octagonal shaped structure that could be used for experimental validation to predict the high-current conduction scenarios including lightning strike.