One-dimensional circuit model of lightning in thundercloud with tripole structure of electric field

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the process of electrification and discharging using percolation by dividing an air column into discrete cells. We consider a one-dimensional circuit where each cell contains a resistor and a capacitor. The tripole structure of the electric field in a thundercloud was reproduced by the presence of current sources. Breakdown occurs within the circuit as the electric field within the cells increases past the critical dielectric strength of air. This was simulated by the resistors changing from an off-state to an on-state, allowing current to flow. Cells charge up to a sufficient electric field before initiating breakdown, and resulting to high current flow. As resistors breakdown from the three-pole points in the thundercloud, the direction reveals the path of the lightning discharge. Cloud-to-ground, upward, and split lightning events were observed along the air column. However, the cloud-to-ground propagation path was mostly reproduced by the tripole structure.