Applications of Electromagnetic Models of the Lightning Return Stroke

Lightning return-stroke models are needed to study lightning effects on various objects and systems, as well as in characterizing the lightning electromagnetic environment. Reviewed here are models based on Maxwell´s equations and referred to as electromagnetic models. In contrast to distributed-circuit and so-called engineering models, electromagnetic models of the lightning return stroke allow a self-consistent full-wave solution for both current distribution along the lightning channel and associated electromagnetic fields. In this paper, we review electromagnetic models with an emphasis on their applications.