Analytical modelling of the mechanical damage of soil induced by lightning strikes capturing electro-thermal, thermo-osmotic, and electro-osmotic effects

This article presents a mathematical model for simulating the mechanical behaviour of lightning strikes and analysing the resulting damage to the soil. This article focuses on the electro-thermal effect and seepage caused by lightning strikes in particular. Then, a numerical model based on the conservation laws of momentum, mass and energy is developed for soil subjected to lightning strikes. Comparisons to field observations and theoretical calculations are used to demonstrate the efficacy and accuracy of numerical simulations. The findings demonstrate that lightning strikes can cause soils to experience both seepage force and heat stress. Under the calculative condition of this article: by increasing the intrinsic permeability of the soil, kp (≥10−10 m2), the seepage force can be effectively reduced, hence reducing the risk of lightning strikes; improving the electrical conductivity of the soil β (≥10−1 S/m) and lowering its thermal expansion coefficient (≤10−6 K−1) can greatly reduce the damage caused by lightning strikes to the soil. The preceding investigations demonstrate that the suggested model is capable of evaluating mechanical damage caused by lightning in the soil, and the findings contribute to a better understanding of soil mechanical response to lightning strikes