Analysis of current loading mode for lightning strike ablation damage simulation of CFRP laminates

Abstract

It is of great significance to improve the simulation accuracy by improving the loading method to reduce the error between the numerical simulation and the test results. The ablation damage characteristics of composite laminates under different forms of lightning current are explored in this paper, the arc radius expansion formula is improved, and a numerical model of arc expansion radius suitable for lightning strike process is established. A finite element model of carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) laminate is established based on ABAQUS, and the ab-lation damage under different current loading modes is analyzed. The results show that the established finite ele-ment model can simulate the lightning strike ablation damage of CFRP laminates. Compared with other loading modes, the damage area, damage depth and damage volume caused by extended moving loading are in good agree-ment with the test results. The effects of current expanding and movement should be taken into account while simu-lating lightning strike ablation damage of composite materials.

Keywords

• composite
• lightning strike
• ablation damage
• finite element model
• current loading mode