Validation of Lightning Simulation Compared With Measurements Using DCI Technique Post-Processed to be Applied to a Lightning Threat

The direct current injection (DCI) technique is a complicated method which involves both a testing campaign and electromagnetic simulations. Consequently, it takes a long time, entails high costs, and requires a lot of effort in a complex post-process. The present article shows that only with the lightning simulations, also involved in the DCI process, similar and useful information can be obtained. Currents induced on cables in a lightning simulation on an aircraft cockpit are compared with the postprocessed results coming from a low-level DCI test, demonstrating good agreement within the established margin, and analyzing the identified differences. This example illustrates the benefits of using simulations in reducing costs and delivery time. We also show their potential benefit in improving the aircraft safety by using them from the earlier stages of the design to the end of service of the aircraft. This is achieved thanks to their capability to predict the behavior of the object in configurations which could not be addressed by test, and by checking a larger number of probes, which could even be placed in non-accessible areas.