Time domain finite difference validation for transport aircraft lightning induced effect studies

Time domain three dimensional finite difference (T3DFD) is a powerful technique for modeling electromagnetic responses of aircraft wiring to a lightning strike environment. To gain confidence on modeling results of a complex aircraft geometry, validation by comparison to test data on full scale aircraft sections is essential. This paper presents two such comparisons: one for the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 transport aircraft nose section, and the other, for the engine-pylon section. The interior wiring transients of the MD-80 nose and engine-pylon sections, determined by lightning simulation tests, were compared to those evaluated by the T3DFD modeling to validate the analysis. In addition, the measured and calculated values of the magnetic field at the cockpit windows and interior were compared to support the validation. High level calculated magnetic field and magnetically induced transients showed a good correlation with the test data, in spite of numerous differences in test setups, model features, and boundary conditions