Investigation of lightning rod striking distance

This paper studies those parameters affecting the lightning stroke to Lightning rod. The downward lightning leader is modeled by using discrete line charges to consider the exponential distribution of charges through the downward lightning leader. The voltage condition used by Rizk is used and modified to investigate the inception of the upward lightning leader and to consider different air conditions (relative air density and air humidity). The influences of lightning parameters and lightning rod height on the lateral striking distance are studied. The results shows that, lightning leader parameters, lightning rod voltage, lightning rod height and ground slope have a series effects on the lateral striking distance.