On the effects of channel tortuosity on the close electromagnetic fields associated with lightning return strokes

Abstract: The electromagnetic fields associated with tortuous lightning channels are usually characterised by a pronounced fine structure. This work investigates and quantifies the effects of channel tortuosity on the return stroke electromagnetic field shapes in the close lightning environment (the range up to 100m from the lightning striking point). General equations for lightning return stroke electromagnetic fields for arbitrarily located observation points are derived from Maxwell's equations. In order to include arbitrary channel shapes, the channel is described by a parametric representation in Cartesian coordinates with the channel length as the free parameter. The return stroke current required for the evaluation of the derived equations is calculated from a current generation type model. The field computations show that amplitudes and waveforms of the electromagnetic fields in the close lightning environment are considerably influenced by the channel shape. In particular, the induction component of the electric fields radiated by a tortuous lightning channel differs significantly from that associated with a straight channel.