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Determination of lightning characteristics through the use of electromagnetic field data

In this thesis we determine the electromagnetic fields of a current distribution located, in free space, above a perfectly conducting plane earth. Then we consider the inverse problem of determining the source distribution from the fields. Formulae are obtained for the volume integral (dipole moment) of the current density of a small current source in terms of the fields and known functions. If field data are measured (from lightning over sea water for example) the dipole moment of the current density producing the fields may be found. The validity of the small source approximation used in this work is also established. Finally, a method is developed for determining the average current at points on a vertical line current source, a common model for a lightning return stroke. We treat the source as a string of dipoles and apply a method of constrained inversion.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/277252
Date January 1990
CreatorsTeschan, Paul Erhard
ContributorsWait, James R.
PublisherThe University of Arizona.
Source SetsUniversity of Arizona
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext, Thesis-Reproduction (electronic)
RightsCopyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

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