Aeroplanes can handle lightning strikes safely due to careful design and materials. Here are the main reasons:
1. Faraday Cage Effect.
An airplane acts like a Faraday cage. This means when lightning hits, the electricity travels around the plane’s outer surface and then exits without affecting the inside. The people and electronics inside are safe.
2. Conductive Materials.
Airplanes are made of materials like aluminum and carbon fiber, which are good at conducting electricity. These materials help direct the lightning safely along the plane’s body and away from critical parts.
3. Special Design.
Engineers design planes with special features to protect against lightning. For example, fuel tanks are made to prevent sparks, and important electrical systems have extra protections to handle sudden electrical surges.
4. Static Dischargers.
Planes have small devices called static dischargers or wicks. These are placed on the edges of the wings and other parts. They help release built-up static electricity, lowering the chance of lightning striking and helping manage the effects if it does.
5. Shielded Electronics.
The plane’s important electronic systems are covered with protective shields. These shields prevent lightning from damaging the avionics, ensuring that the plane’s navigation and communication tools keep working properly…Léarn Móre
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