Artificially triggered cloud-to-ground lightning exhibiting characteristics of natural lightning
A single flash of cloud-to-ground lightning was artificially triggered in an experiment designed to test the effectiveness of lightning-protection features designed into modern nuclear weapons. The lightning flash exhibited a downward streamer, characteristic of the most common type of natural lightning to ground but rare for triggered strokes. Triggering was accomplished using the trailing-wire rocket technique. Current measurements, using a noninductive shunt, indicated a first return stroke peak amplitude in excess of 10,500 amp with an initial rise time of less than 23 ..mu..s. Multiple luminous peaks were recorded while at least one current polarity reversal occurred. Motion picture and open-shutter still cameras recorded the event on color film.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 5217047
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-82-0745; ON: DE82016087
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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