Progresses in the research on physical processes of lightning discharge and electric structure of thunderstorm in the last decade in China have been reviewed. By using the self-developed lightning detecting and locating techniques with high temporal and spatial resolution, the characteristics and parameters of lightning discharge in some representative areas in China have been obtained. Observa...

Positron beams have been observed by the Fermi satellite to be correlated with lightning leaders, and neutron emissions have been attributed to lightning and to laboratory sparks as well. Here we discuss the cross sections to be used for modeling these emissions, and we calculate the emissions of positrons, neutrons, and also protons from lightning leaders. Neutrons were first erroneously attri...

Lightning is the result of the buildup and discharge of electrical energy. The air in a lightning strike is heated to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. It is this rapid heating of the air that produces the shock wave that results in thunder. A cloud-to-ground lightning strike begins as an invisible channel of electrically-charged air moving from the cloud toward the ground. When one channel nears an o...

It is well known that electron density profile in the geospace changes day by day and thus remote sensing techniques using electromagnetic waves are recently highlighted as a powerful tool, because they are useful for obtaining the global electron density profile in the earth’s plasmasphere with high time resolution. We have been developing tomographic techniques using information of propagatio...

The conventional passive lightning protection mode depending on fixed lightning rods, overhead grounded wires, arresters and SPDs couldn’t fit for the demand in practice gradually. Therefore, it is necessary to explore an available and optional way that could enhance and improve them. Based on Intelligent Control Technology and combined with lightning detection, the Active Lightning Protection ...

Non-luminous relativistic electron beams above thunderclouds have been detected by the radio signals of low frequency ∼40–400 kHz which they radiate. The electron beams occur ∼2–9 ms after positive cloud-to-ground lightning discharges at heights between ∼22–72 km above thunderclouds. Intense positive lightning discharges can also cause sprites which occur either above or prior to the electron b...

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is commonly used within high voltage cable insulation. It has improved thermal and mechanical resistance compared to normal low density polyethylene (LDPE). However, the cross-linking process may also vary the electrical characteristics of the material. This paper investigates changes in electrical properties of one type of LDPE before and after cross-linking. T...

Lightning has a profound impact on many aspects of modern day society. Understanding its spatial distributions is fundamental in learning to coexist with its tremendous power. This study examined the spatial distribution of cloud-to-ground lightning over southern Michigan using data provided by DTE Energy Corporation in Detroit, Michigan. Flash density and ‘lightning day’ maps were produced for...

A number of applications that employ information from Lightning Locating Systems (LLSs) require accurate estimates of the ground-strike location of return strokes in Cloud-to-Ground (CG) flashes. A study by Schulz and Diendorfer (2000) has shown that the primary factors limiting accurate geo-location of these strokes are (1) the delay of arrival-time of the return-stroke radiation field produce...

Impulse generator is an indispensible high voltage set. It simulates the voltage due to lightning and switching surges and used for testing of insulation of various electrical equipments like transformer, insulators etc.The standard impulse waveform could be used to test the strength of electrical equipments against the lightning.Lightning characteristics and standard impulse wave form are rela...