2D computer model of a non-stationary corona from an infinite grating composed of parallel grounded wires in a thundercloud electric field

Abstract

This paper deals with a non-stationary corona developing in free space from a plane-parallel infinite periodic system of grounded wires suspended at the same height in a growing uniform thundercloud electric field. The discharge is described by the continuity equation for positive ions and electrostatic equation for the electric field induced by wire charges and ion space charge. These equations were solved using a two-dimensional computer program, which was developed in this study and then used to calculate the corona current, the distribution of the space charge generated by the corona, and the potential distribution in space surrounding the wires. The obtained characteristics of the corona may be of interest for the purpose of increasing the reliability of lightning protection wires.