SIMLIGHT - Simulation of Electromagnetic Effects of Lightning Strike for the Connected Aircraft

The SIMLIGHT project is concerned with the computational electromagnetic (CEM) simulation of the effects of lightning strikes on the fully connected aircraft, and the impact on the design, performance, compatibility, compliance and certification of aircraft structures, integrated sensors and components.

Modern aircraft contain an ever-increasing array of complex electronic systems. The ability to predict electromagnetic environments for new concepts and undertake qualification and clearance into service is critical. Products must be protected against electromagnetic interference, induced effects of lightning strikes, and high intensity radiated fields following rigorous testing and international standards.

CEM simulation is essential for predicting electromagnetic performance, but significant challenges remain. Pre-processing tools must effectively handle complex multi-scale aircraft geometry, including cabling and electronic equipment. Computational requirements must support simulation across a broad frequency spectrum and long simulation time, combined with fine mesh and large computational domains. Simulation of cabling and electronic devices must address increased complexity of subsystems and their impact on electromagnetic interference/compatibility. New material models need to be developed and validated for composites and alloys.

SIMLIGHT aims to make a step forward, introducing new tools and techniques to address these challenges and support the move towards Model Based Engineering and the generation of a CEM Digital Twin.

New pre-processing capabilities will be developed including: a lightning attachment zone prediction tool; a robust automatic mid-surface generator to reduce thin-walled structures to shells for faster meshing and simulation; tools for the identification and treatment of critical EMC information in CAD; a new shrink-wrap-based auto simplification tool for complex geometries.

The electromagnetic simulation tool will be based on the novel time-domain hybrid solver for integrated antennas and sensors developed in the EMSCAT project, with new development focusing on capabilities for EMC and lightning effects.

New parameterised models for small geometrical features such as thin slots and apertures will be developed and linked with pre-processing capabilities. Cable bundle modelling will be addressed by direct inclusion in the time-domain solver as well as by coupling with a full transmission line solution accounting for individual cables. New models for dielectric and conductive sheets will consider field diffusion through composites. Improved parallelisation schemes, combined with high- to low-frequency extrapolation techniques, will mitigate the exceedingly long computations required for whole aircraft simulation at the necessary resolution.

The tools and techniques developed will benefit from the expertise of the industrial aerospace partner, ensuring a focus on key requirements and validation within an industrial environment.