volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

Lightning electromagnetic fields are essential inputs for protection system design, electromagnetic compatibility analysis, and lightning location system calibration. Although most computational studies rely on a single ``typical'' current waveform, real lightning exhibits significant variation in peak current, rise time, and temporal characteristics. This paper presents a systematic investigation of how return stroke current parameters influence radiated electromagnetic fields using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Five representative waveforms are examined: typical subsequent stroke (12 kA, 40 kA/µs), first return stroke (28 kA, 12 kA/µs), severe subsequent stroke (25 kA, 80 kA/µs), fast-rising subsequent stroke (20 kA, 120 kA/µs), and rocket-triggered lightning (16 kA, 20 kA/µs). Simulations are performed over homogeneous ground (σ = 0.001 S/m, ε_r = 10). Electric and magnetic field components are computed at near-field (r = 50 m) and far-field (r = 5 km) distances, both underground (d = 2 m) and above ground (h = 10 m). Results show strongly distance-dependent behavior: at 50 m, current rise rate (di/dt) dominates, with fast-rising 16 kA strokes producing fields comparable to slower 22 kA events. At 5 km, peak current governs all components, with 28 kA first strokes producing fields 1.5-2× higher than subsequent strokes. Field attenuation from 50 m to 5 km varies from 130× to 3000× depending on waveform frequency content. The azimuthal magnetic field exhibits uniform attenuation (225-350×) and ground independence, supporting its use in lightning location systems. Triggered lightning underestimates severe natural strokes by 40-60% at 50 m, narrowing to 20-30% at 5 km. These findings indicate that worst-case protection scenarios must be distance-specific: fast-rising strokes govern buried infrastructure within 100 m, while first strokes dominate overhead systems beyond 1 km.

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Dr. Imane Ghlib

Dr. Mohamed Omari

Prof. Abdenbi Mimouni