Definition
A fine grid of thin metal wires or filaments embedded in or bonded to the outer skin of a composite aircraft structure to provide an electrically conductive path. In lightning strike protection, the mesh allows strike current to flow across the airframe surface and exit through designated points rather than burning through the non-conductive composite material.
Plain English
A thin metal screen built into the surface of composite aircraft parts so that if lightning hits, the electricity travels across the skin instead of damaging the structure.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of lightning strike protection, especially for aircraft parts made from composite materials rather than solid metal.
Derivation
Metal comes from an old Greek word for a mine or mineral. Mesh comes from words meaning the openings in a net. Together, metal mesh means a net-like metal layer, which fits its aviation use as a spread-out path for electricity.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents structural damage, fuel tank ignition, and system failures when lightning strikes a composite aircraft.
Analogy
Think of it like a thin metal screen built into the aircraft skin. Instead of one small point taking all the lightning energy, the screen helps spread it out over a larger area.
Grounding Statement
In lightning protection, metal mesh helps electricity travel along the outside surface instead of punching through the structure.
Intuition Check
Metal mesh does not mean a loose wire net hanging on the airplane. In this context, it means a built-in or bonded metal layer that helps protect the aircraft from lightning.
Example Sentence 1
The composite wing skin includes a layer of metal mesh to carry lightning strike currents safely across the surface.
Example Sentence 2
Composite fuselage panels include metal mesh to route strike current away from fuel lines and avionics.