Theoretical basis for an experimental test with regard to the origin of VHF (very high frequency) radiation from natural lightning
The VHF radiation from a return stroke is knone to commence only several tens of micriseconds after the electrostatic field change caused by the return stroke. One long-held interpretation of this delay restricts the emission to the in-cloud portion of the return stroke. This interpretation correlates positively with reports on laboratory observations of UHF and VHF radiation associated with corona breakdown of droplets. On the other hand, a recent study shows that an apparent delay of VHF radiation from return strokes should be expected on the basis of ground-wave attenuation. However, the study does not settle the question of the very existence of attenuated signals from low altitude commensurate with the source strength inferred from higher, i.e., unattenuated, portions of the return stroke. The purpose of this report is to provide the theoretical basis and motivation for a quantitative determination of VHF radiation from the lower portion of the return stroke. A conclusive experiment would reveal whether the VHF radiation from return strokes is primarily caused by corona breakdown of water droplets or rather by processes operative in dry air as well. 15 refs., 4 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 5223677
- Report Number(s):
- LA-11276-MS; ON: DE88007535
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
GENERAL PHYSICS
LIGHTNING
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ATTENUATION
CORONA DISCHARGES
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
MAXWELL EQUATIONS
THEORETICAL DATA
DATA
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
EQUATIONS
INFORMATION
NUMERICAL DATA
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATIONS
657002* - Theoretical & Mathematical Physics- Classical & Quantum Mechanics