Design a dual-layer lightning strike protection for carbon fiber reinforced composites

A dual-layer lightning strike protection (LSP) system consisting of a conductive layer and an insulating layer has demonstrated effectiveness to protect carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites in aircraft against lightning strikes. This study established a design framework for a dual-layer LSP onto CFRP composites. First, an FE model was developed to predict the lightning strike damage on CFRP composites with a dual-layer LSP, and the FE results were validated by simulated lightning strike experiments. Then, the effects of the geometric and electrical parameters of the dual-layer LSP system on the protective effectiveness were systematically examined. Finally, a multi-objective optimization (MOO) method was established to optimize the geometric and electrical parameters of the dual-layer LSP system to achieve both high LSP effectiveness and light weight. This work provides understanding and guidance for designing a dual-layer LSP system for CFRP composites.