Chen, M., Zhou, Y., Zhang, B. orcid.org/0000-0002-0428-7745 et al. (3 more authors) (2025) An experimental investigation into the lightning strike response of Z-pinned composite laminates. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 195. 108951. ISSN: 1359-835X
Abstract
Despite their outstanding mechanical performance and lightweight characteristics, carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites also have some limitations, notably: poor delamination resistance and vulnerability to lightning strikes. Z-pinning through-thickness reinforcement (TTR) technology addresses the first of these and this research represents the first investigation on the lightning strike damage response of Z-pinned CFRP composites. Two types of specimens were tested: unpinned and 0.1% carbon-fibre Z-pinned. Experimental results reveal that while Z-pinning enhances through-thickness electrical conductivity, it introduces new complexities. During lightning events, the intense current surge causes the carbon-fibre pins and adjacent resin pockets to decompose, resulting in localised damage, larger delamination areas, and reduced residual strength compared to unpinned laminates. Carbon-fibre Z-pinned laminates, however, dissipate heat more rapidly due to the efficient heat transfer facilitated by the pins. This study offers a novel perspective on the potential advantages and challenges associated with the application of Z-pinning in aircraft structures.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
---|---|
Authors/Creators: |
|
Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2025 The Authors. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC-BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. |
Keywords: | Multifunctional composites, Lightning strike, Z-pin, Laminate |
Dates: |
|
Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences (Leeds) > School of Mechanical Engineering (Leeds) |
Date Deposited: | 29 Sep 2025 09:43 |
Last Modified: | 29 Sep 2025 09:43 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.compositesa.2025.108951 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:232216 |