Determining the Optimal Copper and Brass Connector Type for High Current Generators Used in Aircraft Lightning Test

Year 2025, Volume: 5 Issue: 3, 161 - 167, 30.10.2025

Tuğçe Demirdelen , Hüseyin Avni Kabasakal Burak Esenboğa , Mirzahan Hızal

https://doi.org/10.5152/tepes.2025.25028

https://izlik.org/JA78YX95WX

Abstract

Aircraft in the aviation sector are required to meet stringent certification criteria established by civil aviation authorities. One crucial method to assess this compliance is through high current testing, which evaluates how electrical and electronic systems respond under specific conditions. Modern aircraft are equipped with a wide array of electronic systems, making electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) a critical consideration. High current pulse generators play a key role in conducting EMC tests, ensuring that onboard systems can operate harmoniously with each other and resist interference from external electromagnetic fields. High current tests of electrical and electronic systems evaluate system performance against sudden voltage changes, electrical noise, and other electrical problems that may be encountered under normal operating conditions. High current pulse generators ensure avionics equipment’s operational quality and reliability by testing pulses for these systems. This study focuses on the performance of copper and brass fasteners commonly used in high current generators. In the experiments, output signals were observed in contact made using copper and brass connectors with diameters of 10 mm, 5 mm, and 1 mm. The effect of contact type on resistance is emphasized. The study reveals that the contact type provides low contact resistance in metal-metal contacts and contributes to the contacts’ longevity by reducing the welding method’s oxidation effects. The results show the effects of material selection, contact shape, and type on the contact resistance, increasing the energy transmission efficiency of a low-resistance circuit. It provides important information on how to extend the contact life.

Keywords

Aircraft , contact resistance , connectors , high current generators , lighting test

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