Combining Analysis of Coupled Electrical-Thermal and BLOW-OFF Impulse Effects on Composite laminate Induced by Lightning Strike

A comprehensive simulation procedure combining electrical-thermal analysis and BLOW-OFF impulse (BOI) analysis was conducted to investigate lightning direct effects on damage behavior of composite. The nonlinear material model was elaborated combining the damage mechanism of composite laminate subjected to lightning strike. Results of electrical-thermal analysis indicated that temperature distribution of composite laminate is mainly affected by the electrical anisotropy because of Joule heating. By comparing results of BOI analysis with lightning test, it can be found that strain fields of analysis meet well with the damage pattern of lightning specimen. It could be concluded that the analysis procedure is suitable for modeling damage of composite due to lighting strike, and results of logarithmic strain field can be used to help estimate the zone which need to be repaired for composite.