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Radiation from lightning return strokes over a finitely conducting earthThe effects of the conductivity of the earth on radiation from lightning return strokes are examined theoretically using a piecewise linear transmission line model for the return stroke. First, calculations are made of the electric field radiated during the return stroke, and then this electric field is used to compute the response of conventional AM radio receivers and electric field change systems during the return stroke. The calculations apply to the entire transient waveform (they are not restricted to the initial portions of the return stroke) and yield fast field changes and RF radiation in agreement with measurements made during real lightning. This research was motivated by measurements indicating that a time delay exists between the time of arrival of the fast electric field change and the RF radiation from first return strokes. The time delay is on the order of 20 microsec for frequencies in the HF-UHF range for lightning in Florida. The time delay is obtained theoretically in this paper. It occurs when both the effects of attenuation due to conductivity of the earth, and the finite velocity of propagation of the current pulse up the return stroke channel, are taken into account in the model.
Document ID
19870034997
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Le Vine, D. M.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Gesell, L.
(System Engineering and Development Corp. Columbia, MD, United States)
Kao, Michael
(Science Applications Research Lanham, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
October 20, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 91
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
87A22271
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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