Electromagnetic Environmental Effects On Aircraft With Composite Materials

Carbon fiber reinforced composite (CFRD) materials are used frequently in small aircraft construction because of their sufficient mechanical strength and lightness. These materials are able to conduct electricity, but provide less shielding than metal and raise concerns in electromagnetic environmental effects. This application note measures the effects of these materials in some practical examples. Download the full note to see an example involving lightning on a small jet, and one of high-intensity radiated fields (HIRF) on an unmanned aerial vehicle.