UWE Bristol Engineering showcase 2015
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Dan Thorn<br />
BEng Electrical and Electronic <strong>Engineering</strong><br />
Project Supervisor<br />
Dr Hassan Nouri<br />
Simulation of Lightning Strikes to an AW101 Helicopter using PSCAD<br />
Software<br />
Introduction<br />
The main objective of this report looks to investigate the dissertation topic of 'Simulation of lightning strikes on AW101 helicopter using PSCAD software'. The<br />
report analyses the effects of an initial lightning surge onto various aircraft materials. The modeling and simulation of the materials and lightning surge is done<br />
using PSCAD software.<br />
Investigation<br />
The main aspects of the lightning that needed to be<br />
understood to model the lightning surge are:-<br />
• Peak Value.<br />
• Rise Time.<br />
• Rate of Decay.<br />
The resistivity and permeability of each material was<br />
established for each material to enable them to be modelled in<br />
an electrical form. The calculations for resistivity and<br />
inductance were investigated and the correct formulas<br />
recognised and used.<br />
Modeling and Simulation<br />
Using the tools in PSCAD the materials were<br />
modeled into an electrical form, resisters and<br />
inductors were used to form equal sections. Using<br />
time and exponential functions the lightning surge<br />
was modeled and connected to different nodes on<br />
the material model. Various different<br />
configurations were examined including:-<br />
• Different strike locations.<br />
• Good and bad Bonds.<br />
• Different materials.<br />
Results<br />
Multimeters were positioned at each node and<br />
given an identity from 1 to 5 for the rows and A to<br />
C for the columns. Data labels were used to plot<br />
each of the meters readings from the individual<br />
nodes , the readings were plotted onto graphs<br />
measuring current against time and the following<br />
measurements were taken:-<br />
• Peak time<br />
• Peak Current<br />
Project summary<br />
This dissertation presents the analysis of lightning<br />
strikes on different materials used on an AW101<br />
helicopter. The report investigates the effects of an<br />
initial lightning surge onto various materials in<br />
different configurations. PSCAD software has been<br />
used to model, simulate and analyse the peak<br />
currents induced onto the different materials. Various<br />
strike locations, lightning levels and material<br />
configurations have been simulated and analysed.<br />
Project Objectives<br />
• Understand lightning characteristics.<br />
• Understand different material compositions.<br />
• Understand calculations required to model<br />
materials.<br />
• Model electrical representation of materials.<br />
• Model lightning surge.<br />
• Simulate lightning surge onto the different<br />
materials.<br />
• Investigate the current effects with different<br />
injection levels, strike locations and materials.<br />
Project Conclusion<br />
Modeling and simulating lightning strikes onto<br />
various materials was successful. The current effects<br />
on the various materials were measured in different<br />
configurations and the results were good, the<br />
waveforms matched the lightning surge<br />
characteristics and the current levels changed<br />
depending on the setup. In conclusion I believe that<br />
the dissertation gives a good baseline for continued<br />
research into not only the lightning and aircraft<br />
interaction but also lightning’s interaction with any<br />
structures and materials, it gives an introductory but<br />
insightful view into the effects that lightning can have<br />
on external structures which could be carried on into<br />
any further investigations.
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