A New Calculation Method of the Lightning Electromagnetic Field Considering Variable Return Stroke Velocity

The article proposes an improved method for the calculation of the electromagnetic field radiated by a lightning return stroke over a perfectly conducting ground. Specifically, the proposed time domain expressions allow a closed-form solution for the field produced by an impulse-current propagating upward along a vertical path with a given velocity. The expressions are valid for a wide class of engineering return stroke models and can be adopted also in case the return stroke velocity varies along the channel. The solution for an arbitrary current waveform can be obtained by the convolution of the current at the channel base with the electromagnetic field due to the impulse-current along the channel. The accuracy and advantages of the method are assessed by the comparison with those obtained by a finite-element method computer model. The expressions are implemented in the LIOV-EMTP-RV code for the calculation of the induced voltages in an overhead distribution line.