What Happens If Lightning Strikes a Plane?
A lightning strike is a phenomenon caused by the high-energy discharge of electrical charges in the atmosphere. It occurs from high clouds toward the ground and is usually caused by an imbalance between negative and positive charges in the atmosphere. Lightning begins with the separation of negative and positive charges due to friction between water droplets and ice crystals in the atmosphere. This charge separation occurs within or between clouds. These high-energy electrical charges begin to migrate toward the ground, forming an ionized air channel upon contact with the air.
An electric current flows through this channel, creating a lightning streak that travels downward. A lightning strike results in a powerful electrical discharge. The intense heat generated during this discharge expands the surrounding air, creating the booming sound of thunder. Lightning causes serious damage and fires at the site of the strike. It often targets metal structures, trees, and other tall objects. Lightning strikes are common during severe weather conditions, especially during thunderstorms.
Modern commercial aircraft are made of conductive materials such as aluminum, allowing them to safely absorb the effects of a lightning strike. Special measures are taken in the design of aircraft to ensure their resistance to lightning strikes; one of these is metal cladding. Metal cladding serves to disperse and dissipate the effects of lightning. However, such conditions generally cause limited damage, such as burning or melting, to the insulating materials within the aircraft body. However, this damage generally does not affect the basic structural integrity of the aircraft, and the aircraft can continue to operate in compliance with safety standards designed for passenger safety.
What Precautions Are Taken Against Lightning in Aircraft?
To minimize the effects of lightning strikes and ensure safety in aircraft, lightning rods located on the wingtips, tail, and other areas of aircraft reduce the effects of lightning strikes by discharging the accumulated electrical charge into the atmosphere. Aircraft designs insulate the interior from external electromagnetic effects based on the Faraday cage principle. This principle relies on the ability of a metal cage to shield objects within it from external electromagnetic influences. Aircraft undergo electromagnetic compatibility tests during the design and production stages to assess the resistance to lightning strikes and the reliability of their electronic systems. Insulating materials are used in aircraft bodies to prevent potential heating or melting. All these measures combine to ensure safe and trouble-free flights by increasing the aircraft’s resistance to lightning effects.
What is a Faraday Cage?
A Faraday cage is a structure consisting of a metal conductor. Its metal surface traps electrical charges and protects the interior from external electromagnetic influences. External electrical charges spread to the outer surface of this metal cage but do not damage the object inside. This principle is widely used in applications where internal parts must be protected from external electromagnetic influences, such as electrically powered devices, laboratory equipment, computers, and electronic systems.
What Emergency Measures Are Taken on Aircraft in Case of Lightning Strike?
In the event of a lightning strike, emergency measures taken on board aircraft ensure safety by immediately informing the flight crew and ensuring they understand the situation. The aircraft’s control systems and electronic systems are meticulously evaluated, and if necessary, emergency procedures are implemented to prevent loss of control. During the electronic systems check, relevant systems are shut down or switched to backup systems to minimize potential damage. The co-pilot and autopilot ensure the safe control of the aircraft. Passenger safety is also a priority during this process. The flight crew takes the necessary steps to calm passengers and, if necessary, implement emergency evacuation procedures. All these measures aim to maintain a safe aircraft by minimizing potential risks that may arise after a lightning strike.
What are Lightning Tests and Safety Standards for Aircraft?
Lightning tests and safety standards for aircraft evaluate the aircraft’s resistance to lightning and the reliability of its electronic systems during the design and production stages. Lightning impulse tests determine how the aircraft’s fuselage and wing structure blocks and dissipates the effects of lightning, testing whether it offers robust resistance in this area. Electromagnetic compatibility tests, on the other hand, check the resistance levels of electronic systems to lightning strikes, ensuring the necessary precautions are taken to ensure the safe and uninterrupted operation of the aircraft’s systems.
The Effect of Lightning on Aircraft Electronic Systems
Due to their high altitude travel, aircraft have electronic systems specifically designed to withstand the adverse effects of lightning. These systems incorporate various safety measures to minimize the damage that lightning can cause. One of the most fundamental measures for protecting aircraft from lightning is the installation of lightning conductors on the aircraft’s exterior. Installed in strategic locations such as the wingtips and vertical stabilizers, these conductors allow lightning to pass safely through the aircraft and prevent potential damage. These design features increase aircraft resistance to atmospheric lightning discharges, ensuring passenger safety. Effective protection of aircraft electronic systems against such natural hazards is achieved through development and testing in accordance with aviation industry safety standards.
