Performance Evaluation of Aircraft Communication Antenna for Lightning Strike Protection : A Coupled Electrical and Thermal Analysis

This paper addresses direct and indirect effect of lightening on aircraft components. The lightning phenomenon is the discharge of a charged particles from cloud to the earth. A substantial risk exists if lightning strikes an aircraft. It is struck at least once per 1000 hours of flight. It is crucial to shield the antenna from lightning strikes as it is a conductor located on the skin of the fuselage. A VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) antenna is modelled, and the performance evaluation is carried out and it is observed that the frequency is within the given range. The gain is 4.5dB and 6.58dB respectively. Current component A and C are considered as there could be a direct lightning attachment to antenna since it will be protruding outside fuselage. Rise in temperature for an antenna under lightning strike is simulated and analyzed by coupled electrical-thermal study. Further a comparative analysis was done considering copper and aluminum materials and observed that temperature rise in copper is lower than aluminum material. Level 5 is considered for the present case as antennae are located in a severe electromagnetic environment.