2007-10-22 13:07:46 · 5 answers · asked by nak1uander 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Thanks all, was curious.
2007-10-24 05:58:37 · update #1
Hello Nak -
I must take issue with Jules - it is not unusual for lightning strikes to occur in the air. If the aircraft is designed properly (in accordance with FAA regulations), then there will be a conductive path for the current to travel along on its way from the entrance point to the exit point of the lightning bolt as it passes through the aircraft. This conductive path does carry the current harmlessly around the passenger compartment, which is isolated inside the outer walls and therefore not a direct entrance or exit point. It can play havoc with the instruments, which are not subjected directly to the current, but may be affected by the electromagnetic field that it creates. Bonding straps (static wicks?) are really just oversized cables that carry the current across non-conducting boundaries that might be in the way, like rubber seals, engine mounts, etc. If there is a non-conducting boundary in the way with no bonding strap, then the current will probably blow a hole in the boundary. Therefore, great care is taken to ensure that this does not occur by design, and extensive testing is conducted to ensure that the design is safe. Aircraft with composite skins usually incorporate a metallic mesh within the composite to create the current path. Good question.
2007-10-22 15:00:30 · answer #1 · answered by Larry454 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends whether it's on the ground or in the air. If it's on the ground it will suffer the fate of most things that are struck by lightening because the plane is earthed.
If it's in the air it is not earthed and therefore will not be struck by lightening at all. The plane would have to have some contact with the ground to be in circuit.
2007-10-22 13:22:08 · answer #2 · answered by Jules G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This problem has been around since someone tied a key on a kite. Todays aircraft have STATIC WICKS that give the bolt a safe way to dispense the energy. Your answer is: Nothing happens with todays modern aircraft.
2007-10-22 13:14:20 · answer #3 · answered by blueridgemotors 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nothing...airplanes are totally grounded and the electricity from the lightening just curls around the body of the plane and dissipates
2007-10-22 13:16:39 · answer #4 · answered by evon stark 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends, anything is possible really. cars nd planes r built to kind of be protected, but its different in the sky.im not entirely sure tho
2007-10-22 13:13:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋