Aerospace Electromagnetic Compatibility Analysis

Electromagnetic hazards pose significant risks to aircraft safety, requiring OEMs to undertake a complex process to ensure protection. Dassault Systèmes SIMULIA’s electromagnetic simulation analysis helps reduce costs and time in aircraft design while meeting international safety standards. Through the 3DEXPERIENCE® EMC workflow, OEMs can use virtual twin experiences to accurately predict performance and enhance collaboration.

Safety is crucial in aircraft design, as any malfunction can have severe consequences. Regulators, crews, and passengers demand the highest standards, making compliance a time-consuming and costly process.

Key concerns include EM hazards like lightning, which can harm electrical systems and compromise safety. Authorities such as the FAA and EASA require protections against lightning and High Intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF). While military aircraft need additional safeguards against Electromagnetic Pulses (EMP).

Protecting aircraft from EM hazards is difficult, especially with lightweight materials like Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), which provides less shielding than aluminum. This requires additional protective measures without sacrificing lightweight benefits.

Download this White Paper to gain insights into the EMC workflow within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which expands on the existing capabilities of SIMULIA CST Studio Suite.

The Electromagnetic Compatibility Workflow

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The 3DEXPERIENCE EMC workflow builds on the pre-processing, simulation, and post-processing capabilities of SIMULIA CST Studio Suite. This enables OEMs to utilize virtual twin experiences to accurately predict aircraft performance and share results with peers and certification authorities like the FAA and EASA.

The EMC workflow for EM hazard analysis consists of six steps. It begins and ends with data input and output by the digital thread. This ensures all project information is stored in a collaborative space that serves as a single source of truth.

• Prepare 3D Model: Native platforms are used for model idealization, material assignment, and cable harness definition.
• Select EM Environment: EM environments are chosen based on standards for lightning (SAE ARP 5412B), HIRF (SAE ARP5583A), and EMP (MIL-STD-464D), all accessible in the collaborative space.
• Setup EM Model: The CAD model imports into SIMULIA CST Studio Suite. This configures simulation scenarios for zoning, lightning, HIRF, and EMP, including boundary conditions and mesh setup.
• Run EM Field Simulation: Electromagnetic solvers compute field responses to EM hazards, utilizing different solvers as needed, and high-performance computing options are available through the 3DEXPERIENCE cloud.
• Analyze A/C Field Responses: Assessments of both internal and external aircraft field responses, along with cable pin voltages and currents. The frequency of EM hazards significantly influences these responses.
• Analyze Avionics EMI: This final step evaluates the susceptibility of aircraft electronics to conducted and radiated EM threats, determining if relocation or additional shielding is necessary.

While full replacement of certification tests by EMC analysis is still a goal, Dassault Systèmes SIMULIA solutions can significantly reduce the costs of physical testing. The 3DEXPERIENCE EMC workflow equips aircraft OEMs to effectively integrate simulation into their design processes. This fosters confidence among manufacturers and authorities in the efficacy of EM simulation.