Rapid Droplet Coalescence Produced by Thunder

Abstract This article considers a simple model to numerically study whether thunderclaps can produce droplet coalescence in natural clouds due the relative velocities they induce between different-sized droplets. mechanism is evaluated for cloud that has both relatively small liquid content and narrow size distribution. The idealized as static environment, consisting only of water droplets air, which no changes occur except those produced by thunderclaps. All other mechanisms, such gravitational effects air turbulence, are disregarded. thunderclap models we use mimic profile an actual clap far from lightning discharge. Their acoustic power spectrum obtained analytically found peak infrasonic frequency range, agreement with some experimental results. during passage their equations motion using drag coefficients apply conditions imposed clap. possibility growth may result claps studied integration discretized equation. For case considered, results show thunder event, several consecutive claps, few seconds significant mean diameters. Such times orders magnitude shorter than required mechanisms similar effects.