Prayagraj: A team of scientists from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT) are working on a project to determine the exact mix of materials that can reduce the effect of lightning strikes on aircraft.Funded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the project, costing around Rs 60 lakh, was awarded to Ashutosh Kumar Upadhyay, associate professor in the applied mechanics department at MNNIT.The research puts spotlight on the May 21 incident wherein the front portion of a plane travelling from Delhi to Srinagar was damaged due to a storm and lightning strike jeopardizing the lives of 227 passengers. Upadhyay said the damage to planes due to lightning is a serious problem.“The cause of damage to planes from lightning will be investigated. Research is being conducted to identify which mixed substances can reduce the effect of lightning. Planes are at risk from both lightning and charge because they become a medium for the current between two clouds. This study focuses on composite panels used in modern aircraft. It will be analysed how lightning strikes affect the structure, temperature, electrical flow, and mechanical strength of the panel,” said Upadhyay. He said electrical, heat and mechanical effects will be combined through multi-physics modelling techniques to understand the type of damage and its impact on the aircraft.Based on this, a new code will be prepared, and the simulation software will be updated with this code, allowing the electrical resistance capacity of the new material to be easily tested. This will reduce the effect of lightning on the aircraft. DRDO has assigned this project for three years. A JRF will be appointed for the project.