Multifunctional Structural Composite with Integrated Electromagnetic Shielding

The ability to construct a multifunctional material that provides electromagnetic (EM) hardening on an aircraft structure integral to the material form has been demonstrated. The material's key attribute is the integration of a high level of EM shielding directly into a structural fiber-reinforced graphite composite in a manner that has minimal to no impact on the mechanical characteristics of the host composite. The material form has demonstrated the EM shielding equivalency of an aluminum electronics enclosure structure on a composite alternative for 25% of the weight without impacting structural characteristics. This material form provides a lightweight alternative to traditional means of providing aircraft EM protection from existing and emerging threats, such as high-power microwaves (HPMs) and EM pulse (EMP)/high-altitude EMP (HEMP), without incurring parasitic weight penalties. Its multifunctionality provides a weight-efficient means to address EM shielding in a composite while taking advantage of its strength-to-weight properties.