Attachment process of the discharge of competing grounded electrodes - Experimental observations and modeling

The lightning attachment discharge process theory is based on studies of the physics of the discharge obtained from high voltage laboratory tests. The process of propagation of positive and negative discharges has been studied independently and then the gathered information has been used to understand and explain the lightning attachment development. In this paper, an experimental set-up is built to describe the dynamic behavior of positive and negative discharges. Electrodes of different dimensions placed at different distances are used as grounded electrodes and a high voltage electrode is subject to negative switching impulses. Test results allow to identify different stages of the dynamic process of attachment of the discharge between a downward negative discharge and a positive upward leader discharge. The principles of physics of discharge for positive and negative polarities are used to model the laboratory test measurements. The model can reproduce in an accurate manner majority of the dynamic processes of the discharge. In addition, statistical results of the effect of nearby and competing upward discharges is obtained.