Response
to Aircraft Question
by
Jeremy Smallwood
http://www.static-sol.com/
Aircraft
charge up as they fly around, due to impact with dust particles and other materials
in the air. The voltage can build up to very high levels. As in most static electricity
cases, the build-up limit occurs when the rate of discharge by various means ,
equals the charging rate.
A key discharge mechanism for aircraft is corona
discharge from sharp edges. However, if uncontrolled, this leads to electromagnetic
interference "static" to the aircraft systems. So, aircraft are fitted
with intentional corona discharge points to promote corona discharge under controlled
conditions. These points are often known as "wicks".
