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Fractal-geometry simulation of a lightning discharge

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Abstract

It is suggested that a wideband lightning discharge be approximated by a damped periodic oscillation. With such an approach, the oscillation frequency and relaxation time are introduced and it is found that lightning radiates over a distance of several tens of kilometers. This length is much greater than the lightning bolt’s apparent length (several kilometers). The difference between the lengths is explained using fractal geometry. In terms of fractal geometry, the lightning discharge is so tortuous that an actually very long lightning bolt is accommodated by a short straight line. An attempt is made to determine the fractal dimension of tortuous and intermittent lightning bolts.

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References

  1. V. K. Balkhanov, Yu. B. Bashkuev, V. I. Kozlov, and V. A. Mullayarov, Tech. Phys. 54, 151 (2009).

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  2. J. Feder, Fractals (Plenum, New York, 1988; Mir, Moscow, 1991).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Physical Materials Science, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Sakh’yanovoi 8, Ulan-Ude, 670047, Russia

    V. K. Balkhanov & Yu. B. Bashkuev

Authors
  1. V. K. Balkhanov
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  2. Yu. B. Bashkuev
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Correspondence to V. K. Balkhanov.

Additional information

Original Russian Text © V.K. Balkhanov, Yu.B. Bashkuev, 2012, published in Zhurnal Tekhnicheskoi Fiziki, 2012, Vol. 82, No. 12, pp. 126–127.

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Balkhanov, V.K., Bashkuev, Y.B. Fractal-geometry simulation of a lightning discharge. Tech. Phys. 57, 1733–1734 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1134/S106378421212002X

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S106378421212002X

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