The Boeing Company

Aaron T Purdy

Theresa Nadine Ward

Michael G Anderson

Julie K Bennett

J Sidney Clements

Kevin Darrell Pate

Systems and methods for discontinuously applying an insulating primer to a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) component are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for mitigating electrical surface discharges from a CFRP component includes first applying an insulating primer to a metallic component. Next, an insulating primer is applied discontinuously to the CFRP component adjacent the metallic component. The discontinuous application of the insulating primer forms a primed portions and unprimed portions. The unprimed portions are configured to enable electrostatic dissipation.

Application of insulating coating

Systems and methods for determining the dimensions of insulating coating sections applied to a conductive component are disclosed. The method includes providing a specimen having an insulating coating section of a first surface area and a first thickness. The method further includes conducting a test of the specimen for propagating brush discharges. If the specimen exhibits propagating brush discharges, the method further includes reducing at least one of the first surface area and the first thickness to produce at least one of a second surface area or a second thickness, or reducing a first maximum distance that any portion of the insulating coating may extend from an adjacent static dissipative feature to produced a second maximum distance. In additional embodiments, insulating coating patterns may be established on the component based on at least one of the dimensions of the second surface area, the second thickness, or the second maximum distance.

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Marysville, WA, United States of America

Aaron T Purdy