An electromagnetic model of lightning return stroke channel using electric field integral equation in time domain

Abstract

We use an electromagnetic approach based on antenna theory (AT) to evaluate the lightning return stroke current as a function of time and height. The lightning channel is modeled as a lossy, straight, and vertical monopole antenna above a perfectly conducting ground, which is excited by a source voltage at the base of the channel. This voltage source is a function of the current assumed at the ground level and the input impedance of the monopole antenna. An electric field integral equation (EFIE) is employed to describe the electromagnetic behavior of the antenna. The numerical solution of EFIE by the method of moments in time domain provides the time-space distribution of the current along the lightning channel. This AT model with specified current at the channel base requires only two adjustable parameters, namely the return-stroke propagation speed and the channel resistance per unit length. To demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed model, we compare it to the most commonly used models in terms of the temporal and spatial distributions of channel current and predicted electromagnetic fields. We also present results to show the effectiveness of the model in the analysis of lightning-related problems dealing with complex structures. In this regard, the lightning induced overvoltages on the neighboring overhead lines and the lightning strikes to tall structures are investigated.