Abstract: A fastener providing protection against damage to an aircraft resulting from lightning strikes includes an elongated shaft having a head disposed at an upper end thereof, one, the other, or both of the shaft and the head containing a circumferential groove disposed proximate an intersection of the shaft and the head, a lower surface of the head including a plurality of grooves extending radially outward from the circumferential groove and terminating at an outer periphery of the lower surface. A tubular sleeve is disposed concentrically about the shaft and has a plurality of through-slots disposed therein. Each through-slot has a lower end disposed above a lower end of the sleeve, and an upper end disposed in fluid communication with the circumferential groove, such that superheated gases and particles generated in interfaces between the fastener and the adjacent skin due to lightning strikes are vented harmlessly to the atmosphere through the channels and grooves.

Abstract: A fastener providing protection against damage to an aircraft resulting from lightning strikes includes an elongated shaft having a head disposed at an upper end thereof, one, the other, or both of the shaft and the head containing a circumferential groove disposed proximate an intersection of the shaft and the head, a lower surface of the head including a plurality of grooves extending radially outward from the circumferential groove and terminating at an outer periphery of the lower surface. A tubular sleeve is disposed concentrically about the shaft and has a plurality of through-slots disposed therein. Each through-slot has a lower end disposed above a lower end of the sleeve, and an upper end disposed in fluid communication with the circumferential groove, such that superheated gases and particles generated in interfaces between the fastener and the adjacent skin due to lightning strikes are vented harmlessly to the atmosphere through the channels and grooves.