Electromagnetic numerical study for optimizing the lightning protection system of the VEGA launching pad

摘要

This article presents the interest of numerical simulation as a helpful complement for the electromagnetic analysis of complex and large systems, particularly at the definition phase of a project. It deals with the optimisation of the lightning protection system of the VEGA launching pad, located in Kourou, French Guyana. After a preliminary step based on the generation of a simplified model of the lightning protection system, a realistic 3D model of the whole site has been achieved. Then 3D electromagnetic simulations allowed the assessment of the induced magnetic fields and currents in case of a lightning impact on the system. In addition to the expertise of the system protection and normative considerations, the results have been used for the optimization of the grounded network with respect of the induced currents and magnetic field in the launcher zone. In the future, 3D simulation should be an interesting approach for the definition of the experimental procedure applied in the qualification process.