3 Day Open Conference
3 Day Open Conference
Dranetz-BMI's PMIT and electrical conductivity on aircraft skin
Tuesday 18th November 2008
11.20 - 11.40
Auditorium 2
Aircraft must be safe, because danger in the sky may lead to catastrophic events. The requirements for uncompromising safety must also be fulfilled under extreme weather conditions: very low temperatures, snow, hail and electrical storms. In particular electrical storms are a demanding challenge for aviation instruments and avionics in general. Aircraft are equipped with a conductive outer skin that allows them to function as a “Faraday Cage”. Such an electrostatic screen provides aircraft with sufficient protection against lightning.
Therefore the Aircraft’s Faraday Cage must be checked regularly and even the worst case scenario when an aircraft is struck by lightning must be taken in consideration.. If the aircraft skin has too much resistance the Faraday Effect may be partially eliminated, if struck by high energy lightning. Small resistance measurements of a few Milliohm must be recognized and recorded. This presentation discusses products and methods used to perform these mandatory tests
About the Speaker(s):
Mr John Carroll
Distribution Area Manager
Dranetz-BMI
John H Carroll BSEE. M.InstEEE is the Distribution Area Manager for Dranetz-BMI He joined Dranetz in August 2007 after a successful career with world leading test and measurements companies. He began his career as a Senior Avionics Engineer for over 14 years at British Aerospace in England. Having obtained a Higher National Diploma at The John Moores University in Liverpool, England in 1977. After a successful career working on many British commercial and military aircraft, he moved to a permanent technical sales role for a leading test and measurement company in the UK. . In May 1993 he started and ran his own Technical Consultancy Company for 7 years providing advice and services to many Fortune 500 companies across Europe. He was invited to work in the United States in 2001 with his wife and 3 children. He currently lives in Arizona.