A novel hybrid method based on teaching–learning algorithm and leader progression model for evaluating the lightning performance of launch sites and experimental tests

Abstract

In this article, a numerical optimization method has been used to study the lightning effect on satellite launch sites. In the conventional direct method, the leader progression model along with charge simulation method is employed for all the lightning leader tip positions and all the possible lightning current values on the equipment. This time-consuming calculation set is reduced in the developed method by using an optimization algorithm. For this purpose, the specifications of a real air termination system have been used for simulation and a system in a laboratory scales has been used for both purposes of simulation and practical tests. Teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO) algorithm has been employed as an intelligent method to find the number of lightning strikes to the equipment, to detect critical areas on the structure surface and to reduce the execution time. Also, some experimental tests conducted in a high-voltage laboratory are referred on the small-scale system to investigate the conditions of leaders inception and propagation. An appropriate adaptation between the simulation results of TLBO and conventional direct method verifies the application of this method to investigate the performance of other air termination systems.