Summary
The application of the snow plow approximation to the magnetic pinch effect in the return stroke of lightning is described. Results are presented for a constant electric field and for a measured stroke current. In general, the solutions indicate that the magnetic pinch effect is important for cases of high currents, small channel diameters, and low degrees of ionization.
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Evans, W.H. Magnetic pinch in relation to the lightning stroke. Geofisica Pura e Applicata 52, 162–168 (1962). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01996009
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01996009