The Boeing Company

Theboeing Company

Derek R Tuck

Philipp Andreas Boettcher

David Thomas Misciagna

Carson Alexander Smith

Brian P Justusson

Thaddeus L Wells

Louisa Michael

A method for modeling a new design for electromagnetic effects includes identifying, with a model based system engineering tool, an area of interest in the new design where a lightning strike may occur. The new design includes structural features and electromagnetic features. The method further includes generating, with an electromagnetic effects solver tool and a structural solver tool, a design model for the area of interest in the new design, extracting design parameters from the design model, and generating a reduced order model by processing the design parameters, test results, and simulation results with a modeling tool. The reduced order model couples the structural features with the electromagnetic features. The test results are determined by tests of known designs. The simulation results are determined by simulations of known models. The method further includes storing the reduced order model in a storage medium that is readable by a statistical modeling tool.

Modeling new designs for electromagnetic effects

The embodiments described herein provide for lightning protection in aircrafts constructed with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) panel, a second CFRP panel that overlaps with the first CFRP panel in a vertical direction, and a fastener to join the first CFRP panel with the second CFRP panel, the fastener extending in the vertical direction in an area where the first CFRP panel and the second CFRP panel overlap. The apparatus further includes a plurality of electrically conductive pins in each of the first CFRP panel and the second CFRP panel, wherein the pins extend in the vertical direction proximate to the fastener to electrically connect the first CFRP panel and the second CFRP panel in the area where the first CFRP panel and the second CFRP panel overlap.

Lightning protection in aircrafts constructed with carbon fiber reinforced plastic

An electromagnetic effect protective cap assembly for enclosing an end portion of a fastener assembly extending through a structure, includes a sidewall configured to define an interior space and having an end portion of the sidewall which defines a first opening aligned with the interior space which allows passage of the end portion of the fastener assembly through the first opening and into the interior space. The protective cap further includes a second opening which is defined by and extends through the sidewall and is spaced apart from the first opening. In addition, the protective cap further includes a valve member positioned in blocking relationship with respect to the second opening with the valve member positioned between the interior space and an exterior of the sidewall.

Vacuum cap seal installation

An example method includes causing an actuator to apply a compressive force to an object. The compressive force pushes a first electrode against a first end of the object and causes a second end of the object to push against a second electrode. The method further includes detecting an initial magnitude of the compressive force. The method further includes, in response to determining that the initial magnitude of the compressive force is outside of a predetermined range of magnitude, causing the actuator to adjust the compressive force applied to the object. The method further includes detecting a magnitude of the adjusted compressive force. The method further includes, in response to determining that the magnitude of the adjusted compressive force is within the predetermined range of magnitude, detecting a conductance of the object via the first electrode and the second electrode.

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Charleston, NC, United States of America

Derek R Tuck