External tank composite lightning protection selection
Abstract
The External Tank is the structural backbone of the Space Transportation System. Alike conventional aircraft, the metallic skin of the ET provides a conductive path for lightning, electromagnetic energy, and electrostatic discharges. Non-metallic composite structures may require a conductive surface coating to meet the lightning protection requirement established by NASA-JSC. An engineering trade study of various types of lightning protection materials has provided a data base upon which to choose the most suitable lightning protection system. A discussion of the selection criteria along with the available lightning protection material will be the topic of this paper. The outcome of the engineering trade study provides the most suitable lightning protection system or systems for graphite composite material.
- Publication:
-
IN: Man's permanent presence in space; Proceedings of the Third Annual Aerospace Technology Symposium
- Pub Date:
- 1985
- Bibcode:
- 1985mpps.proc.....B
- Keywords:
-
- Aluminum;
- External Tanks;
- Lightning Suppression;
- Protection;
- Spacecraft Charging;
- Wire Cloth;
- Composite Materials;
- Criteria;
- Graphite;
- Selection;
- Space Transportation System;
- Weight Reduction;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles