Analysis on the Lightning Current Model

Abstract

Through the analysis of characteristic of lightning currents, this paper expounded the lightning current wave-form and the primary parameters of it. The previous lightning current models contain only two parameters, wave tail time constant and the peak current value, which is imperfection. In order to solve this problem, a new lightning current model with the additional parameters such as lightning channel radius and velocity of the return stroke was proposed. On the basis of lightning current parameters and wave-form characteristic, we compared the new lightning current model with the double exponential function model, Hodler model and impulse function model. And then the distinctions among the four different models were received and the wave-form of the new model accorded with the characteristic of really lighting current wave-form well. On the other hand, the advantages and disadvantages about the new lightning current model were explained. This new lightning model provides the theoretical basis for further study of lightning electromagnetic field.