A lightning strike is a natural phenomenon and is really pretty to look at when it is far away. But from a closer distance this view changes rapidly.

Lightning attachment to things like airplanes, wind power stations, ships and oil platforms may have consequences that are complex to deal with. Modern materials like carbon fiber composites, which are used more and more due to their special range of applications, are much more vulnerable than the conventional metal.

The nomenclature used to describe the effects of lightning are related to the aerospace sector but can also be transferred to other fields.

The direct effects of lightning are defined as any physical effects to the structure and equipment due to the direct attachment of the lightning channel and/or conduction of the lightning current. This includes dielectric puncture, blasting, bending, melting, burning and vaporization of structural parts or equipment surfaces. It also includes direct injected voltages and currents in the associated wiring, plumbing, and other conductive components.

The indirect effects of lightning are defined as electrical transients induced in electric circuits. These transients are the result of the interaction of the lightning’s accompanying electromagnetic fields with the electrical/electronic equipment in the object’s structure.

In some cases, both direct and indirect effects may occur to the same component of the structure.

Consequently, a comprehensive lightning protection concept has to be implemented; otherwise, to quote Henry Kissinger, “an issue ignored is a crisis invented”. In order to make things safe, a detailed analysis has to be performed and ways of eliminating potential weak points have to be established. That is the starting point of our service.