Installation of Metallic Strip on CRFP Frames: Assessment of IS13 Mechanical and Electrical Performance

Abstract

The extended use of CFRP material in airframes led to a loss of the ability to use the aircraft superstructure for electrical tasks such as lightning strike protection, systems bonding and grounding. So, to replace metallic fuselage inherent electrical functions in composite aircrafts, an internal metallic structure called electrical structure network or ESN is introduced. The aim of AS10 is to evaluate technologies that can be integrated directly into structures with the aim of creating an electrical structure network (ESN) whilst reducing weight and improving survivability of composite structures. The innovative development consists of a pre-assembled semi-product composed of an aluminium strip and a non-vulcanized rubber that is co-bounded to the composite frame part early at the manufacturing stage. Evaluations of the technology were done at coupon level to check thermal, mechanical and electrical requirements. This paper presents the activity related to IS13 demonstrator and its damage tolerance and electrical performance assessment. For electrical aspects, a numerical model is built, allowing analysing the impact of strip installation versus current solution with the AD2 cable. Numerical results will have to be confirmed with measurements.