A propagative model for simulations of electric fields produced by downward leaders

Abstract

This paper presents simulations of a downward negative leaders performed by means of 3D finite element method (FEM). The leaders are considered do progress vertically leaders in which different charge distributions and leader speeds can be adjusted. The output of the model is the electric field at ground level for different leader heights and time. By comparison with experimental measurements of natural cloud-to-ground stepped leaders we find consistent results by adjusting the speed of the leader.