What is the primary purpose of bonding in aircraft design?

The primary purpose of bonding in aircraft design is to ensure the same electrical potential of all metal components in the aircraft structure. This is crucial for preventing differences in electrical potential that can lead to hazardous static electricity build-up and create the risk of arc strikes, which can damage sensitive electronic equipment or even lead to catastrophic failures. By connecting various metal parts of an aircraft together with bonding straps or conductors, the design minimizes the risk of electrical interference and enhances overall safety.

This practice also contributes to the effectiveness of the aircraft's lightning protection system, as it allows for a uniform distribution of electrical potential and minimizes the likelihood of damage in the event of a lightning strike. While other factors such as structural integrity and protection against electrical surges are important in aircraft design, the primary focus of bonding specifically addresses the equalization of electrical potential across all conductive components.