POS7-0830
CNT Fiber-hybrid CFRP for Lightning Strike Protection against Joule Heating and Shock Wave Damage
Topic
S7. Innovations in Polymeric Composites: From Design and Processing to Industrial Applications
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Heesuk KIM
Jinhye BAE
Presenter(s)
Su Jeong Heo (Pusan National University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) is widely used in aircraft structures owing to its lightweight and excellent mechanical properties. However, its relatively low electrical conductivity makes it vulnerable to lightning strike damage, including Joule heating, shock waves, and delamination. In this study, carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers, which possess excellent electrical conductivity and specific strength, were incorporated into CFRP using different stacking structures to improve lightning strike protection. The electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of CNT fiber-hybrid CFRP were evaluated, along with their resistance to lightning-induced damage. CNT fiber incorporation suppressed localized Joule heating, and improved interlaminar shear strength through fiber-bridging effects. In addition, CNT fiber-hybrid CFRP exhibited reduced damage propagation under shock wave loading and improved resistance to Joule heating-induced ablation during lightning strike tests. Furthermore, X-ray microscopic analysis enabled three-dimensional observation of internal lightning-induced damage, revealing the role of CNT fibers in damage mitigation. These results demonstrate that CNT fiber integration is an effective strategy for mitigating both thermal and mechanical damage caused by lightning strikes in aircraft composite structures.
