Aircraft Certification (Static Electricity Dischargers)

In summary, the conversation discusses the importance of the little wicks placed at the wingtips of aircraft to eliminate static electricity buildup. The certification requirements for placing these wicks are not specifically outlined in CS 23 or CS 25, but rather rely on proprietary methods developed by individual companies or academic research. Some relevant sources on the subject include papers from SAE and ARP. Static electricity buildup can have significant impacts on communication and navigation systems, making the placement of these wicks a crucial consideration in aircraft design.
  • #1
murats
2
0
The little wicks placed at the wingtips to get rid of static electricity on the wings and body of the aircraft are vital to aircraft.
I am interested in what the certification requirements for placing these ont he wings. I assue the formula of would include things like
1-surface area
2-speed the aircraft can reach
3-material used on the aircraft...

Is there a quick right hand rule for this ( place at-least 3 per wing type of deal) I assume there was a lot of testing done to figure this out, as the static electricity build up on the winds can mean a big degradation for communication with the tower and GPS signals.

http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/design/q0234.shtml
 
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  • #3
Hi,
Sections 23 and 25 are a bit "broad" and doesn't really say specifically anything about calculating the static discharge wicks. It gives a lot of details on procedural items, not technical. Usually companies come up with proprietary ways or some academic papers get released.
I have found these and would like to share with the rest of the community.
http://papers.sae.org/520088/
http://standards.sae.org/arp5672/

Regards,
-M
 

Related to Aircraft Certification (Static Electricity Dischargers)

1. What is the purpose of static electricity dischargers on aircraft?

Static electricity dischargers, also known as static wicks or static discharge wicks, are devices that are installed on aircraft to dissipate static electricity and prevent potential hazards caused by static buildup. This can include potential damage to electronic equipment, interference with radio communications, and the potential for lightning strikes.

2. How do static electricity dischargers work?

Static electricity dischargers work by providing a low-resistance path for built-up static electricity to flow from the aircraft into the surrounding air. They are typically made of metal or carbon fibers and are designed to ionize the air around them, allowing the static electricity to safely dissipate.

3. Are static electricity dischargers necessary on all aircraft?

Yes, static electricity dischargers are required on all aircraft that operate in the airspace of a country that follows regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These regulations state that all aircraft must have a means to dissipate static electricity in order to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.

4. How often do static electricity dischargers need to be replaced?

The frequency of replacement for static electricity dischargers varies depending on the type of dischargers and the aircraft manufacturer's recommendations. In general, they should be inspected and replaced if necessary during routine maintenance checks, and may need to be replaced more frequently if they are damaged or worn.

5. Can static electricity dischargers prevent lightning strikes?

While static electricity dischargers can help to dissipate static electricity, they are not designed to prevent lightning strikes. In the event of a lightning strike, the dischargers may help to safely dissipate the electrical charge, but they cannot guarantee protection against lightning. Aircraft are typically designed with other measures, such as lightning protection systems, to minimize the risk of damage from lightning strikes.

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