Lightning and composite a/c are just a bit more complicated than the
discussion so far suggests:
wing mesh is more useful for static dissipation rather than lightning
protection. Static dissipation is important to assure your Nav/Comm
works in the clouds. The reason it does not work for lightning is that the
tiny conductors of a mesh will melt, or vaporize explosively if hundreds
to thousands of Amps pass through. You can't put enough metal into
a composite a/c to safely conduct a direct lightning strike. Even metal a/c
burn through at the points of entry and exit where the current density is
highest. The same applies to bonding straps to control surfaces - for
conduction of and reduction of microamps of static charge, not lightning
protection.
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Ira N224XS
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http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=187216#187216
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