Study of an active charge control system for aircraft : hammer system

Abstract

On average, it is estimated that commercial aircraft is struck by lightning about one per year. Although nowadays lightning strikes to aircraft do not pose a major tread for the aircraft safety, the required inspections after a lightning strike can suppose elevated costs for airlines. In addition, the popularization of using composite materials, requires particular measures for lightning protection. On the other hand, in 1966 de la Cierva et al. submitted a patent with an electrostatic discharging method for aircraft. More recently, Martinez-Sánchez et al. (2017) proposed an innovative charge control system to be used to reduce the risk of aircraft-triggered lightning. Currently the MIT AeroAstro group and the UPC Lightning Research Group are participating in a MISTI and Explora projects on this subject. The present TFM project will provide an experimental platform for this charge control systems.