Review and Comparison of Lightning Return Stroke Models Using Experimental Data.

摘要

Over the last three decades many lightning return stroke models have been proposed to predict the current pulse of the return stroke as it propagates in the channel. These models were mainly proposed by trying to solve the inverse problem of suggesting the current in the channel which will give the experimental measurement of the electromagnetic (EM) fields on the ground. Due to the lack of airborne data, the validity of these models as a function of height have not been verified. In this thesis we provide a discussion of all the significant return stroke models and their credibility as a function of height by comparing their EM fields with recent acquired airborne lightning data. The equations to compute the electric and magnetic fields in space due to a vertical channel are also derived. The last part of the thesis is related to the comparison of these models. The predicted fields due to Master et al. were plotted and compared with the empirical results. Also, the Master et. al. model was modified for the channel current pulse propagation velocity and the channel current wave form. The plots due to these modifications are included and compared with the experimental data.