volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

This paper investigates the modeling of lightning electromagnetic (EM) fields over mixed propagation paths, including land-ocean and land-lake interfaces with slope angles, using Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method combined with staircase approximation. Two scenarios are considered: a land strike involving a soil-ocean domain and a real-world lightning strike to the CN Tower with a land-Lake Ontario interface. The return stroke currents are modeled using established MTLE model, and electromagnetic fields are computed above and below ground. Simulation results demonstrate strong agreement with previously published Finite Element Method (FEM) results, confirming the accuracy of the proposed approach. The study highlights the significant impact of slope angles on electromagnetic field components, particularly underground fields near mixed interfaces, and confirms the effectiveness of the staircase approximation for modeling sloped geometries in FDTD. These findings contribute to improving the assessment of lightning effects in complex environments, including urban areas and mixed land-water regions.

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Dr. Mohamed Omari

Prof. Abdenbi Mimouni

Dr. Imane Ghlib