Research Article

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

Volume: 5 Number: 3 October 30, 2025

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

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

References

  1. 1. E. Rupke, Lightning Direct Effects Handbook. Pittsfield: Lightning Technologies Inc., 2002.
  2. 2. E. C. Kiçeci, and E. Salamci, “Uçak-yıldırım Etkileşimi,” Avrupa Bilim Teknoloji Dergisi, (Özel Sayı), pp. 177–187, 2020.
  3. 3. J. B. O’Loughlin, and S. R. Skinner, General Aviation Lightning Strike Report and Protection Level Study. Office of Aviation Research, Federal Aviation Administration, 2004.
  4. 4. B. E. Claveria, “Effects and avoidance of lightning strikes on aircraft”. [Accessed: May 09, 2024]. [Online]. Available: https:// zaguan.u nizar.es /record/ 5149/fil es/TAZ-P FC-2010- 220.pdf.
  5. 5. D. Djalel, H. Ali, and C. Faycal, “The return-stroke of lightning current, source of electromagnetic fields (study, analysis and modelling),” Am. J. Appl. Sci., vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 42–48, 2007.
  6. 6. Y. Sim, T. Ahn, J. Park, J. Han, and S. Yang, “Development and verification of lightning induced transient protection device for avionics computer,” J. Adv. Navig. Technol., vol. 19, no. 5, pp. 395–402, 2015.
  7. 7. Y. Sim, S. Cho, S. Kim, J. Park, and J. Han, “Design of lightning induced transient protection circuit for avionics equipment considering parasitic inductance,” J. Adv. Navig. Technol., vol. 21, no. 5, pp. 459–465, 2017.
  8. 8. F. Abdolalizadehgharehveran, “An automation of high voltage impulse generator,” M.S. thesis, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 2013.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Electrical Machines and Drives

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

October 30, 2025

Submission Date

July 8, 2025

Acceptance Date

August 21, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 5 Number: 3

APA
Demirdelen, T., Kabasakal, H. A., Esenboğa, B., & Hızal, M. (2025). Determining the Optimal Copper and Brass Connector Type for High Current Generators Used in Aircraft Lightning Test. Turkish Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 5(3), 161-167. https://doi.org/10.5152/tepes.2025.25028
AMA
1.Demirdelen T, Kabasakal HA, Esenboğa B, Hızal M. Determining the Optimal Copper and Brass Connector Type for High Current Generators Used in Aircraft Lightning Test. TEPES. 2025;5(3):161-167. doi:10.5152/tepes.2025.25028
Chicago
Demirdelen, Tuğçe, Hüseyin Avni Kabasakal, Burak Esenboğa, and Mirzahan Hızal. 2025. “Determining the Optimal Copper and Brass Connector Type for High Current Generators Used in Aircraft Lightning Test”. Turkish Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems 5 (3): 161-67. https://doi.org/10.5152/tepes.2025.25028.
EndNote
Demirdelen T, Kabasakal HA, Esenboğa B, Hızal M (October 1, 2025) Determining the Optimal Copper and Brass Connector Type for High Current Generators Used in Aircraft Lightning Test. Turkish Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems 5 3 161–167.
IEEE
[1]T. Demirdelen, H. A. Kabasakal, B. Esenboğa, and M. Hızal, “Determining the Optimal Copper and Brass Connector Type for High Current Generators Used in Aircraft Lightning Test”, TEPES, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 161–167, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.5152/tepes.2025.25028.
ISNAD
Demirdelen, Tuğçe - Kabasakal, Hüseyin Avni - Esenboğa, Burak - Hızal, Mirzahan. “Determining the Optimal Copper and Brass Connector Type for High Current Generators Used in Aircraft Lightning Test”. Turkish Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems 5/3 (October 1, 2025): 161-167. https://doi.org/10.5152/tepes.2025.25028.
JAMA
1.Demirdelen T, Kabasakal HA, Esenboğa B, Hızal M. Determining the Optimal Copper and Brass Connector Type for High Current Generators Used in Aircraft Lightning Test. TEPES. 2025;5:161–167.
MLA
Demirdelen, Tuğçe, et al. “Determining the Optimal Copper and Brass Connector Type for High Current Generators Used in Aircraft Lightning Test”. Turkish Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, vol. 5, no. 3, Oct. 2025, pp. 161-7, doi:10.5152/tepes.2025.25028.
Vancouver
1.Tuğçe Demirdelen, Hüseyin Avni Kabasakal, Burak Esenboğa, Mirzahan Hızal. Determining the Optimal Copper and Brass Connector Type for High Current Generators Used in Aircraft Lightning Test. TEPES. 2025 Oct. 1;5(3):161-7. doi:10.5152/tepes.2025.25028