Current distribution characteristic of a quasi-isotropic CFRP panel

In recent years, CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) is widely used in the structures of aircrafts, automobiles, wind turbines and rockets because of its qualities of high mechanical strength, low weight, fatigue resistance and dimensional stability. However, these structures are often at risk of being struck by lightning. Hence, it is necessary to clarify the current distribution of CFRPs in order to research the generation mechanisms of breakdowns and malfunctions of electronic system near the CFRP due to a lightning stroke. In this study, current distribution characteristic of a CFRP panel is clarified by experimental and analytical investigations. The current distribution measurements and simulations for a CFRP panel are compared with those for a same-sized aluminum panel. The knowledge of these current distribution characteristics would be very useful for designing the CFRP structures of aircrafts, automobiles, wind turbines, rockets, etc. in the future.