calculation of current distribution in a lightning stroked metal structure considering the non-linear ground impedance
Abstract- This paper presents a circuit approach to
compute the transient current distributions induced
by a direct lightning on a metal structure such as
oil containers in presence of a non-linear ground
impedance. The metal structure is simulated by
means of an equivalent network formed by
resistances, capacitances and inductances having all
the branches coupled to each other. A non-linear
current-dependent electrical model, function of the
electrode shape and the ground resistivity,
represents the ionization phenomena in the soil.
The analysis of the equivalent lumped-constants
network is carried out by means of SPICE.
The influence of the non-linear ground impedance
upon the distribution of the currents is put in
evidence. The transient responses and the current
distributions due to the stroke on a point of the
structure are reported.