Computer Simulation of the Initial Stages of the Lightning Protection Mechanism

This paper describes a computer program developed for the study of the growth of corona streamers from a lightning rod. The basic physical processes of electrical discharge are applied in the model. From results of computer studies, it was found that the determination of striking distance cannot rely solely on the state of growth of the upward streanier. The attractive effect of the lightning rod should be measured in terms of the rate of descent of the leader stroke with respect to the growth of the upward streamer. Additional studies were also made to determine the effect of structure height on striking distance.