Comparison of Lightning-Induced Current Simulations in the Time and Frequency Domains Using Different Computer Codes

A simulation of lightning-caused currents and fields with the use of seven commonly applied computer codes (NEC-2, NEC-4, AWAS-2, CDEGS, WIPL-D, MININEC, and FEKO) is presented. Near-field computations in a wide-frequency band from 100 Hz to 10 MHz with the assumption of perfectly conducting ground are performed. Similarities and discrepancies of computation results observed both in the time and frequency domains are described. The discrepancies originate from the application of different approximation techniques. Numerical problems are compared using an example of a loop located inside a lightning protection system directly hit by lightning. The paper is supplemented by a short description of the computer programs and two examples with analytical solution validating the numerical results.