Conductivity in the aerospace context refers to the ability of a material or substance to conduct electricity. In other words, it is a measure of how easily electric current can flow through a material.
Conductivity can be affected by various factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of other materials.
In aerospace, conductivity is an important property for materials used in electrical systems, such as wiring, electrical components, and electronic devices. For example, copper is a highly conductive metal and is often used in electrical wiring due to its high conductivity. Similarly, aluminum, gold and silver are also known for their high conductivity. In contrast, insulating materials, such as rubber and plastic, have low conductivity and are used to protect electrical systems from short-circuits and other hazards.
Conductivity is also important in the aerospace industry in the context of atmospheric science. The conductivity of the ionosphere, the layer of Earth's upper atmosphere, affects the propagation of radio waves and can impact communication systems.
Conductivity measurements are also used in various aerospace applications such as in material testing, non-destructive testing and quality control of aerospace materials.