Lightning Electromagnetic Simulation through Streamer Discharge

The focus of this paper is to validate a simulation-based method for observing the growth and formation of streamers in nanosecond discharges under ambient conditions. The approach utilized in this study allows for an in-depth investigation of streamer behavior, providing valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms involved in the process. Discharge initiation and propagation between the tips of two needles are handled using the so-called drift model, which accounts for the electron losses, production, and movement. The same applies to the positive and negative ions. The development of secondary electrons at the head of the streamer as a result of photoionization is incorporated to model the spread of a streamer channel. This work reports on simulation of lightning strike through streamer using the commercial software COMSOL which replicates a streamer system having two electrodes that develop impulsive voltage at the central region of the electrodes, which in turn replicates the impulsive voltage of a spark. The simulation’s findings show that two streamers move in the direction towards each other in the air gap and that the discharge starts in regions with strong electrostatic fields which is closer to the edged curve part of the electrodes. Overall, this research provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of streamer formation and growth in nanosecond discharges at ambient conditions, and the findings of the simulation can be useful in designing and optimizing lightning protection systems.