Modeling of electrical discharge with vertical rod protection

In this paper, a numerical model of electrical discharge propagation in a vertical rod protected environment is elaborated. The studied model is based on the knowledge of electrical field distribution along the environment (leader head - earth) and on the randomness development of the discharge. The established model allows determining the discharge impact point depending on the rod position and the discharge probability on this last one using a statistical method. The results show that the model reproduce the correct lightning rod performance. Protection area is similar to that given by the electrogeometrical model for a rod discharge probability of 90%.