Lightning Discharges: Formation, Terminologies, Measurements and Theory (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)

This book highlights the basic information about lightning. It is an unpredictable disaster, and it is an extremely complex electrical discharge phenomenon. A complete theory of lightning does not exist till now. This book elaborates on the basic formation of lightning, terminologies related to lightning, and the preliminary lightning theory. There are different types of lightning, such as cloud flashes, ground flashes (both positive and negative), and air discharges. This book explains some unusual events related to lightning and inspects innovation. This book also describes the measurement of electric and magnetic fields generated by lightning, which are the basic parameters for lightning fundamentals. Preface Contents 1 Introduction 1.1 Overview 1.2 History of Lightning 1.2.1 Ancient to Middle Age 1.2.2 From Middle Ages to Benjamin Franklin 1.2.3 Era of Benjamin Franklin 1.2.4 Modern Time References 2 Lightning Terminology 2.1 Cloud and Its Formation, Cumulonimbus, Thunderstorm 2.2 Flash Density 2.3 Charge Structure in the Cloud 2.4 Preliminary Breakdown 2.5 Stepped Leader 2.6 Attachment Process 2.7 Return Stroke 2.7.1 Study About the Return Stroke by Using Electric and Magnetic Field Measurement 2.7.2 Study About the Return Stroke by Using Parameters Derived from Channel Base Current Measurements 2.7.3 Speed of Return Stroke 2.7.4 Optical Spectra and Luminosity 2.8 Dart Leader 2.9 Continuing Current 2.9.1 M-Component 2.9.2 K-Changes 2.10 J and K Process References 3 Lightning Types 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Types of Lightning 3.3 Cloud Discharges (ICS) 3.4 Cloud to Ground Discharges (CGs) 3.4.1 Downward Negative Lightning Discharges 3.4.2 Downward Positive Lightning Discharges 3.5 Unusual Lightning Discharge 3.6 Other Discharges 3.6.1 Warm Cloud Lightning 3.6.2 Rocket Lightning 3.6.3 Ribbon Lightning 3.6.4 Bead Lightning 3.6.5 Ball Lightning References 4 Theory of Lightning 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Electrostatic Field 4.3 Magneto-Static Field 4.4 Derivation of Jefimenko Equation from Maxwell’s Equation 4.5 Expressions for Electric and Magnetic Fields 4.6 Time-Varying Fields from Lightning: Treatment of Retardation Effects 4.7 Determination of Electric Field in Terms of Current and Charge by the Continuity Equation Approach 4.8 Determination of Electric and Magnetic Fields in Terms of Current by Using the Lorentz Condition Approach References 5 Measurement of Lightning 5.1 Electric Field Measurement Method 5.1.1 Horizontal Parallel Plate Antenna 5.1.2 Basic Theory of Antenna System 5.1.3 Vertical Rod Antenna 5.1.4 Narrow Band Electric Field Measurement System 5.2 Photography Method 5.3 Thunder Measurement Method 5.4 Current Measurement Method 5.5 Magnetic Field Measurement System References