Plasma discharge characteristics of segmented diverter strips subject to lightning strike

In order to research segmented diverters for aircraft lightning protection, a transient 2D multiphysics model based on magnetohydrodynamics theory is proposed to predict the location of the arc plasma discharge and lightning channel, and to simulate the electrothermal behavior. Based on numerical calculation and preliminary analysis, factors that affect the breakdown voltage of the segmented diverter are discussed. The results show that the voltage increase rate of the voltage source, the width of the air gap between metal segments and the geometry of these segments influence the breakdown voltage of the strip. High-voltage tests of the segmented diverter are performed to reveal air breakdown of the strip and redirect the lightning current. Experimental and numerical results are compared to verify the correctness of the numerical model. The ionization of the air gap between metal segments and the breakdown voltage of the strip calculated by the model are qualitatively consistent with experimental results. The breakdown voltage of the segmented diverter is far lower than the lightning voltage. When a lightning strike occurs, the segmented diverter can be quickly ionized to form a plasma channel which can guide the lightning current well.