Influence of Geometric Simplifications on HIRF Simulations

Abstract

This paper analyzes the influence of simplifications in electromagnetic models used in thedesign of protections against High-Intensity Radiated Field (HIRF) threats. Both conductive andradiated effects are evaluated, covering the wide frequency range between 1 MHz and 6 GHz. A real andcomplex test case such as the power plant of an A400M aircraft was simulated using FDTD methodso as to analyse the impact of different simplification approaches. The parameters studied are theinclusion/removal of installations, modification of electrical contacts, material properties, and changesin the cable features. In consequence, we can conclude that for the frequency range around tens orhundreds of megahertzs every detail is important (all the pieces of the model, accuratebundle routes andcable properties), while for higher frequencies only the details nearby the analyzed point are relevant forthe results and it is not necessary to distinguish between different materials which are good conductorsat this frequency range.