Journal of Lightning Research
2012, 4 : 3-11Published online 2012 June 15. DOI: 10.2174/1652803401204010003
Publisher ID: JLR-4-3
Lightning Discharge and Fundamentals of Lightning Protection
Department of Electrical &
Computer Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-6130,
USA.
ABSTRACT
A review of lightning protection concepts introduced by Benjamin Franklin (18th century) and James Clerk Maxwell (19th century) is given. Modern approaches to lightning protection of various structures and systems are discussed. In particular, the widely used electrogeometrical model (one version of which is the Rolling Sphere Method) and the topological shielding are presented. Bonding requirements, needed to avoid side flashes (in air or in the soil), are discussed. Lightning parameters important for lightning protection are reviewed.