Objectives  In order to study the lightning indirect effect of metal cylindrical ordnance, a method for constructing the tester for lightning indirect effect of the metal cylindrical flying object is studied, and a cage type frame similar to coaxial line is designed as the coupling device.

  Methods  Firstly, the current resonance of system is analyzed by observing the current waveform of different terminators. Then, through the electromagnetic simulation software CST, the surface current distribution of the metal cylinder is simulated, and the influences of different load impedance and different return conductor arrangement on the uniformity of surface current distribution are analyzed. Finally, according to the simulation results, the surface current intensity of cylinder and the instantaneous electromagnetic field distribution inside and outside the cylinder are analyzed.

  Results  The simulation results show that the cage type injection device similar to coaxial line can be used for indirect lightning effect test of metal cylinders.

  Conclusions  The simulation results provide a basis for the further test.