GMR 2D Magnetic Probe for Measuring Lightning Surface Current Distribution on Metal Cylinder

Utilizing giant magneto resistive (GMR) sensors, a two-dimension (2D) measurement system is developed. Based on the high sensitivity, wide bandwidth and small size of GMR sensor, a 2D detection probe is designed for this system, and its basic structure and operating principle are described in detail in this paper. In order to test the performances of this developed system, an experimental scheme of calibration and frequency response is presented. To further validate the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed 2D measurement system, an experiment measuring lightning surface current density on an aluminum cylinder is conducted. Comparisons of experimental and simulation results are given. Results show the 2D measurement system is capable of detecting the distribution tendency of current density on cylindrical surface. The developed system provides a practical tool to detect lightning surface current distribution on the curved surface.