Transfert de technologie

Analysis of Lightning Hazard and Design for Damage Prevention

Applications

Artificially simulated lightning on a model of the Ariane 5 rocket launch pad.

 > Space, Aeronautical, Electric Industry, Telecommunications, Industrial Sites Protection  

Keywords

• Atmosphere, Electrotechnics, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Lightning, Lightning protection devices, Thunderstorm.

Advantages

• Ability to protect structures, in the air or on the ground, from lightning strike damage.

Testing

• Ability to:
  • Develop physical models of original atmospheric discharge.
  • Develop models of lightning strike probability
  • Design protective structures (e.g. Launch pad protection)
• Achieved by:
  • Phenomenon simulated in high tension laboratory (< 30kA) to achieve:
    • Global analysis of lightning strike environment
    • Mechanisms to develop flash
  • Prediction adapted to each situation: probability of lightning, aggression level (running, electric fields, etc.).
  • Experimentally validated computer codes used.
  • Development of databases relative to various types of lightning (artificially started flashes, lightning strikes in flight on instrumented planes)
  • 3D computer programs of the start and development of flash on a structure, on an aircraft or on the ground

Expertise

• Technical/Scientific advice and expertise
• Numerical simulation
• Development of computer codes
• Design of solutions

Customers

• DGA, Airbus, EADS, Dassault, DGAC, British Aerospace, Eurocopter, Cnes

© ONERA 2009 - Crédits et conditions d'utilisation