On the attachment of lightning flashes to grounded structures with special attention to the comparison of SLIM with CVM and EGM

Lightning attachment to vertical grounded conductors are presented with special attention to the lightning attractive radii of vertical conductors as predicted by self consistent leader inception and propagation model (SLIM), Electro Geometrical Model (EGM) and Collection Volume Method (CVM). Moreover, SLIM was utilized to model the attachment of a slanted stepped leader to a tall tower that resulted in a side flash to a point below the top of the tower. The important conclusions to be drawn from the results obtained are the following: (a) The error (caused by neglect of the connecting leader in EGM) in the predicted attractive radii and the striking distance of EGM increases with increasing structure height. However, for structures whose height is shorter than about 30 m the error associated with using EGM is less than about 20%. (b) The attractive radii predicted by the Collection Volume Method (CVM) are much larger than the ones predicted by SLIM and EGM. Thus, the use of CVM to locate the lightning conductors on a structure may undermine its safety. (c) Slanted stepped leader channels can cause side flashes in tall structures even though long connecting leaders are emitted from the top of the structure.     

基于VHF辐射源短基线定位系统对闪电放电过程的研究

利用闪电VHF辐射源短基线定位系统2009年东北大兴安岭地区的观测资料,对正、负地闪和云闪放电过程中的VHF辐射源进行了定位研究.根据闪电VHF辐射源的二维位置(方位角和仰角)随时间的演变特征,结合同步观测的快、慢电场变化资料分析发现,持续时间较长的地闪预击穿过程在云中的放电通道呈双层结构,预击穿过程结束阶段的云内放电表现为反冲流光,预击穿过程的平均速度在10⁴m/s量级.预击穿过程为梯级先导的发展提供了必要的条件,梯级先导从预击穿起始位置开始并向下发展,产生较强的辐射,平均速度在10⁵m/s量级.K过程主要是流光沿之前已电离通道的传输.正、负地闪回击阶段前后的放电特征有明显不同,正地闪回击之后,连续电流期间的较长时间的云内放电产生较强的VHF辐射.对闪电在125---200MHz频段范围的VHF辐射频谱特征的统计分析发现,辐射能量呈现出幅值随频率增加而减小的趋势,在通带范围上基本遵循f^-2.9的衰减率递减.     

Significant parameters affecting a lightning stroke to a horizontal conductor

This paper studies different parameters affecting a lightning stroke to a horizontal conductor. An electromagnetic model has been constructed to consider the influences of different lightning and horizontal conductor parameters and ambient conditions on the lateral striking distance. The results show that lightning leader parameters, horizontal conductor voltage, horizontal conductor height, and ground slope have a series effect on the lateral striking distance. Based on the results, recommendations are made to decrease the lightning stroke to the horizontal conductor.     

Identification of striking distance considering the velocity ratio and competition among the leaders

The striking distance is an important parameter to design a reliable lightning protection system. To protect an object against direct strikes, an improved leader progression model combined fractal geometry and the leader initiation criteria proposed by M. Becerra is introduced to determine the striking distance on a given structure. Both the deterministic and stochastic features of the lightning leader are considered and more detailed three-dimensional numerical simulation of the leader discharge is achieved due to the application of extended grid. Some of the basic methods and strategies are outlined and the influence on protection zone caused by leader velocity ratio is analyzed. Moreover, a comparative analysis of the results obtained through the improved model, the rolling sphere method and the Cooray model is performed. The results indicate that the presented method is closer to the natural lightning and the selection of the breakdown point is actually a complex competitive process among numerous upward leaders.     

On the interception of lightning flashes by power transmission lines

The design of the lightning protection system LPS of transmission lines is based on the well known electro-geometrical model. The electro-geometrical model assumes that the first point on a power transmission line that will come within striking distance of the tip of a down-coming stepped leader channel is the strike point of the lightning flash. The model neglects almost all of the physics associated with the lightning attachment.Nowadays, as it is possible to use modern hardware and software tools and several different numerical methods, it is feasible to apply the physics of the discharge process to the study of lightning attachment. Such models take into account the movement of the downward and the resulting upward leaders from different points on the structures under consideration.In this paper, a procedure based on lightning physics was used to analyze the lightning attachment phenomena in EHV transmission lines of 230 kV and 500 kV and the results were compared with the predictions of the electro-geometrical method.     

Fast particles as initiators of stepped leaders in CG and IC lightnings

A hypothesis about fast particles as possible predecessors of stepped leader is presented in this article. The idea was developed following research on the geometry of the stepped leader. We suggest that the small random deviates of the leader are a consequence of scattering between electron clouds of the particle and surrounding atoms or molecules, while collisions of the nuclei produce forking of the channel. Assuming the fast particle loses its kinetic energy at constant rate we derive equations for its energy, velocity, and position as functions of time. From observations we are able to quantify the initial velocity and the rest mass of the particle. The size and the type of the particle are determined from the geometry of the stepped leader. Results show that according to the hypothesis oxygen atom, either neutral or an ion, is most likely candidate for initiator of a stepped leader. We speculate on the process that might lead to the creation of fast oxygen atoms emanating from a thunder-cell. As they are shot in random directions, initiation of intra-cloud (IC) and cloud-to-ground (CG) lightnings are here explained by the same mechanism. In a view of the hypothesis we address questions of positive CG lightning, CG/IC ratio latitude dependence, and ground attachments.     

Modeling the development of the stepped leader of a lightning discharge

A stochastic-deterministic model is presented for the propagation of a downward-moving leader. Lightning formation is described by a stochastic growth of branching discharge channels which is determined by the electrostatic field. The dynamics of the electric field and of the charge distribution over the lightning structure are calculated deterministically. The model includes the initiation of lightning, a preliminary discharge in a cloud, the propagation of a downwardmoving stepped leader toward the earth, and the initiation and upward motion of a return stroke from the earth’s surface. Numerical execution of the model yields a dynamic picture of the development of the downward-moving leader and of the intracloud discharge structure. The effect of the charge density in the cloud and the parameters of the developing channels on the spatial-temporal, current, and charge characteristics of the stepped leader’s propagation are studied. The effect of free-standing structures on the distribution of points on the earth’s surface where lightning strikes is examined. Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 69, 48–53 (April 1999)     

On peculiarities of the method for determining the probability of lightning striking terrestrial explosive objects

We have described a new probabilistic method for calculating and assessing lightning striking terrestrial explosive objects using a combined criterion for the emergence of upward streamer and leader discharges from the elements of the object being protected and lightning rods taking into account the probabilistic nature of the avalanche–streamer and streamer–leader transitions, the trajectories of a downward stepped lightning leader and lightning current. It has been shown that the disregard of possible formation of uncompleted streamer discharges from the elements of the object in the electric field of a downward lightning leader, which can ignite explosive emission, decreases the rated probability of the object being damaged by a lightning stroke by several times.     

Physical processes during development of lightning flashes

The objective of this paper is to review our present understanding of the physical processes in lightning flashes during their development within or outside a cloud, following lightning initiation. This represents the ‘big picture’ of lightning development, in the scale of the cloud dimensions themselves. Since the acceptance of the bi-directional, zero-net-charge leader concept, significant changes have occurred in our understanding of the key physical processes of which a lightning flash is comprised, and in the analytical relationship between the electrical structure of a cloud and lightning parameters. These changes are discussed with an emphasis on the unifying nature of the bi-directional leader concept. To cite this article: V. Mazur, C. R. Physique 3 (2002) 1393–1409.     

Estimation of the lightning strike incidence of free-standing masts

An efficient method is proposed in this paper for estimating the lightning strike incidence of free-standing masts. In the proposed method, the attractive volume is defined to describe the lightning attraction characteristic of the mast. Its border is determined from the interception condition of the upward leader to the downward leader. Introducing the modified formula allows the mast height dependency to be included in the evaluation of the striking distance. An integral is performed on the attractive surface to obtain the equivalent exposure area of the mast, with the stochastic distribution of approach angle of the downward leader taken into account. Then, the annual strike incidence is calculated for various mast heights. To confirm the validity of the proposed method, a comparison is made between calculated results and empirical formulas.     

On the streamer discharges emitted from the head of a person located in the vicinity of lightning strikes and their possible consequences

In this paper the currents associated with the streamer discharges generated from the head of a person located in the vicinity of a lightning strike are investigated. In the analysis the location of the person with respect to the lightning strike is selected in such a way that only a streamer burst, without the formation of a connecting leader, is emitted from the head. The current associated with these streamer bursts could exceed several hundreds of mA and may last for several hundreds of microseconds. The results of the calculation show that the passage of the streamer currents through the body of the person could create electric fields in the brain large enough to excite neurons. Depending on the strength of lightning flash and the distance to the strike point these streamer bursts can give rise to phosphenes which are a form of visual experience that occurs when the visual cortex is stimulated by electric currents.     

Technique for calculating the vulnerability of explosive surface objects by lightning

A probabilistic technique for estimating the vulnerability of explosive surface objects by lightning has been proposed. It uses a combined criterion for initiation of upward streamer and leader discharges form the elements of the object and lightning diverters. This criterion takes into account the probabilistic nature of avalanche–streamer and streamer–leader transitions and also the trajectories of the lightning’s downward stepped leader and lightning current. It has been shown that, if the formation of the downward leader of incomplete streamer discharges from the elements of the object in an electric field is neglected (these discharges may set fire on explosive emissions), the probability of lightning-induced failure of the object is underestimated by several times compared with the calculated value.     

Analysis of shielding failure parameters of high voltage direct current transmission lines

This paper studies the influence of different parameters on the shielding failure of high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines. A numerical analysis model considering the developing process of the downward lightning leader based on electromagnetic field theory is used to estimate the lateral striking distance to the transmission line. The influences of different factors (different parameters of the downward lightning leader, HVDC transmission line, and weather conditions) on the shielding failure of the HVDC transmission line (TL) have been considered in this analysis. The results show that the dimensions of the transmission line strongly affect the analysed results of the HVDC–TL shielding failure.     

闪电双向先导理论及观测:极性不对称、不稳定及间歇性

闪电双向先导原理的提出及观测验证是闪电物理研究近几十年最重要的进展之一,而正、负先导及流光的极性不对称性及传输的持续、间歇性,是理解闪电各种过程物理机制的关键.本文对闪电双向先导的概念及进展进行了总结和讨论,重点强调了正、负先导流光传输机制特别是门限电场的不对称性,阐述了正先导传输的连续性及其在闪电始发、负先导的空间先导形成、不稳定先导通道中的反冲先导建立等过程中独特的启动作用.     

The lightning striking distance—Revisited

First return stroke current waveforms measured by Berger [Methods and results of lightning records at Monte San Salvatore from 1963–1971 (in German), Bull. Schweiz. Elektrotech. ver. 63 (1972) 21403—21422] and Berger and Vogelsanger [Measurement and results of lightning records at Monte San Salvatore from 1955–1963 (in German), Bull. Schweiz. Elektrotech. ver. 56 (1965) 2–22] are used to estimate the charge stored in the lightning stepped leader channel. As opposed to previous charge estimates based on the entire current waveform, only the initial portion of measured current waveforms (100 μs in duration) was used in order to avoid the inclusion of any charges not involved in the effective neutralization of charges originally stored on the leader channel. The charge brought to ground by the return stroke within the first 100 μs, Q_f,100 μs (in C) is related to the first return stroke peak current, I_pf (in kA), as Q_f,100 μs=0.61 I_pf. From this equation the charge distribution of the stepped leader as a function of the corresponding peak return stroke current is estimated. This distribution (along with the assumed average electric field of 500 kV/m in the final gap) is used to estimate the lightning striking distance S (in meters) to a flat ground as a function of the prospective return stroke peak current I (in kA): S=1.9 I_pf^0.90. For the median first stroke peak current of 30 kA one obtains S=41 m, while the traditional equation, S=10 I_pf^0.65, gives S=91 m. In our view, the new equation for striking distance provides a more physically realistic basis for the electro-geometric approach widely used in estimating lightning incidence to power lines and other structures.     

Mathematical description of leader channel propagation for selection of model experiment parameters and lightning guard systems

A statistical model of the leader channel propagating toward the Earth with consideration for its orientation relative to grounded objects is proposed, and the results obtained are compared with the predictions of model experiments. Recommendations of how to optimize model experiment conditions for gaining insight into the electric mechanism of the leader channel orientation relative to ground objects are given. The probability of hitting an area protected by a lightning conductor is calculated, and possible ways of improving lightning protection devices are outlined.     

Characteristics of lightning flashes striking the CN Tower below its tip

It has been observed that tall structures are sometimes struck by lightning below their tops. This phenomenon necessitates the use of special procedures for the protection of tall structures from lightning hazards. This paper focuses on the analysis of lightning flashes that struck the CN Tower below its tip over an extended period of time (1991–2005). Through the use of video images recorded during the reporting period, it was found that out of 404 flashes to the tower, only 16 hit the tower below its tip (3.96%). The distance between the tower's tip and the strike location varied from 5.4 to 70 m. Statistical analysis of flash characteristics of strikes below the tower's tip generally shows that the flash duration and the number of strokes per flash are considerably lower than those for the majority of cases, when the tower is struck at its tip. Furthermore, a trend of decrease in flash duration is found as the distance between the tower's tip and the strike location increases. Therefore, based on the analysis of the available data, lightning strikes below the top of a tall structure do not seem to pose greater danger than strikes to the structure's top, assuming that the structure is also protected along its sides. It is hoped that the presented observations and statistical analyses will be of value in the development of sophisticated measures against lightning hazards at elevated objects.     

基于干涉仪原理的闪电先导VHF辐射源速度测量

简述了闪电VHF辐射源窄带干涉仪定位原理及其数据处理方法,利用改进的窄带干涉仪系统对闪电先导VHF辐射源进行定位,给出了闪电放电通道的时空结构,并结合电场变化资料和声光差记录,估算了闪电先导放电发展的速度.     

一次人工触发闪电上行正先导的传输特征

利用山东一次人工触发闪电的高速摄像和30 m, 60 m和480 m的同步电场测量, 清晰显示了人工触发闪电上行正先导的传输特征.上行正先导头部光强相对较强, 二维发展速度变化波动较大并呈现明显不规则性,表明上行正先导发展具有明显的梯级特征. 在先导开始阶段从340 m到705 m高度之间上行正先导平均发展速度为9.8×10⁴ m/s,起始速度是 3.8×10⁴ m/s,局部速度总体上随高度呈现增加趋势.电场变化在近距离产生有规律的梯级状 变化,记录到的28个梯级相邻梯级间隔变化从14 μs 到 39 μs,几何平均值为25.1 μs. 估计的先导梯级长度分布在0.9 m到3.7 m,几何平均值为1.7 m.先导电场变化由慢的正向梯级状变化和 脉冲变化组成,结合光学和电场变化测量结果,得出正先导头部通道发生弯曲可使其电场变化的梯级特征减弱 或消失;正负先导梯级形成机制可能类似,均由其先导头部前端的双向流光发展而来.     

Numerical simulations of thunderstorm-induced corona processes near lightning rods installed on grounded structures

For the purpose of estimating the efficacy of a lightning rod, the current of a corona was numerically calculated from a rod placed (i) centrally on the roof of a vertical grounded cylindrical structure, a model of a man-made object, and (ii) at the top of a grounded hemispherical structure of large radius, such as a hill or mountain. The calculations were carried out for a slowly varying thundercloud electric field and when this field was enhanced by the charge of an approaching downward leader. In case (i), variation of the ratio between the height and radius of the cylindrical structure leads to a variation in the (a) corona current from the tip of the rod over a wide range and (b) distance from which lightning is attached to the rod. In case (ii), it is shown that, contrary to the case of rods installed on the ground surface, a slowly rising thundercloud electric field can be sufficient to initiate streamers and upward leaders from rods tens of meters in height installed on the top of tall, grounded, hemispherical structures. When the thundercloud electric field is enhanced by the charge of an approaching downward leader, the discharge processes near the rod depend on its length and the height of the tip of the downward leader relative to the top of the hemispherical structure, but are almost independent of the hemisphere radius.