Correlation between leader charge and peak current as depicted by the self consistent return stroke model

Abstract

The self consistent return stroke model proposed in an earlier work [6], had successfully predicted the basic features of current evolution in the channel, as well as, that in the far and near electromagnetic fields. A further validation of this model is taken up in this paper by deducing the relationship between the leader charge and the peak return stroke current. In this model the cloud is modeled as ellipsoidal structures and the leader is modeled as a thin wire. The charge distribution on the leader and its radius is computed iteratively assuming the leader to be conical with non uniform radius. The time domain EFIE code is used to compute the evolution of current in the lightning channel. The relation between leader charge and return stroke peak current is found to be linear. This is in satisfactory agreement with the most accepted formulation regarding the relationship between leader charge and return stroke peak current.