Composite Materials Lightning Protection Conductive Particles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional composite materials used in structural applications, such as aerospace, lack sufficient electrical conductivity to effectively protect against lightning strikes, leading to damage and delamination due to poor z-directional conductivity, and often compromise mechanical and aesthetic properties with the addition of metals for conductivity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a low volume fraction of conductive particles, such as carbon particles or silver-coated glass spheres, into the interleaf region of composite materials to reduce bulk resistivity and enhance z-directional electrical conductivity without compromising mechanical performance or increasing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal meshes or expanded foils are incorporated to improve electrical conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but weight increases and mechanical properties degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the form of conductive additive from bulk metal (meshes, foils) to fine particles with metal coating. This parameter change in the physical state and morphology of the conductive phase enables achieving the same electrical conductivity function with dramatically reduced weight and volume, while maintaining compatibility with the polymer matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where conductive particles (with metal coating on core particles) are dispersed within the polymer matrix. This composite approach combines the electrical conductivity of metal with the mechanical properties and light weight of polymer, avoiding the need for heavy metal meshes while achieving the desired conductive function.
2Reliability
If metal meshes or expanded foils are incorporated to improve electrical conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but mechanical properties and aesthetic properties degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the form of conductive additive from bulk metal (meshes, foils) to fine particles with metal coating. This parameter change in the physical state and morphology of the conductive phase enables achieving the same electrical conductivity function with dramatically reduced weight and volume, while maintaining compatibility with the polymer matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where conductive particles (with metal coating on core particles) are dispersed within the polymer matrix. This composite approach combines the electrical conductivity of metal with the mechanical properties and light weight of polymer, avoiding the need for heavy metal meshes while achieving the desired conductive function.
3Strength
If conventional composite materials are used, then mechanical properties are maintained, but electrical conductivity is insufficient for lightning protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential conductive function from bulk metal components and implements it through fine particles dispersed in the polymer matrix. This extraction approach provides the necessary electrical conductivity for lightning protection while maintaining the mechanical integrity of the composite material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where conductive particles (with metal coating on core particles) are dispersed within the polymer matrix. This composite approach combines the electrical conductivity of metal with the mechanical properties and light weight of polymer, avoiding the need for heavy metal meshes while achieving the desired conductive function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of conductive particles significantly improves electrical conductivity and thermal dissipation, providing enhanced protection against lightning strikes with minimal damage and maintaining the material's mechanical properties, as demonstrated by reduced resistivity and improved performance in simulated lightning strike tests.
Implementation Method 1
use of electrically conductive particles for reducing an initial bulk resistivity of a constituent polymeric resin of a composite material
Implementation Method 2
improve the dissipation of electrical current in directions orthogonal to the plane of the fibre reinforcement (z direction)
Implementation Method 3
The use of conductive particles significantly improves electrical conductivity and thermal dissipation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Use of a composite material, the composite material comprising at least one prepreg, said prepreg comprising at least one polymeric resin and at least one fibrous reinforcement; and conducting particles dispersed in the polymeric resin.