Search for quasi-optimal current return paths in a composite environment

The conception premises of the electrical system design in future aircrafts have to be reconsidered due to the emergence of the new composite materials. The electromagnetical environment changes with the introduction of these materials in the aircraft´s structure. The new fuselage can not comply anymore with the electrical requirements in terms of grounding, bonding, and lightning strike protection. The aim of this paper is to propose two techniques, based on graph theory and multi-agent based systems, for the conception and optimisation of a current return path, complying with a set of constraints imposed by the steady state functioning. The results shown in this paper are obtained on a DC network, but the methods were conceived and adapted for AC networks.