Understanding and representing heating and heating rate effects on composite material properties for lightning strike direct effect simulations

Lightning strike simulations have used decomposition models, derived from TGA experiments, to model material behaviour at elevated heating rates and temperatures. Such conducted non-isothermally low rates, are extrapolated conditions assumed during a lightning event. However, no experiments been carried out in literature verify understand the impact of these extrapolation assumptions. This work seeks influence approach adjust properties reflect present strike, which cannot be achieved experiments. A combination experimental simulation studies were undertaken, including prediction sensitivity analysis through simulation, variety thermokinetic modelling extrapolate data, finally further thermal-electric models demonstrate effect predicted rate on thermal damage. It is demonstrated that for can damage predictions. For studied tests using maximum (20,000 °C/min), herein, predictions improved, reducing error severe area within 8% values.