Transient current burst analysis induced in cable harness due to direct lightning strike on aircraft

Lightning is a destructive natural phenomenon. The interaction of lightning with an aircraft brings out intense current on aircraft surface and induces peak current in the onboard wire harness, which can cause damage or malfunction to critical electronic equipment, thus compromising the flight safety. This article analyzes the characteristic of direct lightning strike based on the MIL-STD-464A standard and simulates the surface current density, electric field strength and induced current in cable harness using CST MICROSTRIPES^™ (CST MS). The simulation result shows that the aluminium aircraft skin can provide a good protection against lightning.