The stepped leader forms the first phase of the first stroke in any lightning flash. It is basically a stepwise elongating discharge in air, which carries significant charge. The charge distribution on the leader and its velocity of descent, determine the attractive radius in shielding efficiency calculations. Also, the conductivity and the charge distribution on the leader tip region govern the initial stages of the return stroke. Therefore, there is a need for determining these parameters accurately. In this regard, a self-consistent model for the stepped leader will be very useful. The authors present a new model for the stepped leader that does not assume basic quantities like leader charge, current and velocity, but derives them from the computer simulation.
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