Predictive dynamic model of the negative lightning discharge based on similarity with long laboratory sparks ߝ Part 2: validation

In this paper, a mathematical model, requiring only the cloud-ground geometry, applied voltage and some atmospheric parameters, described in the first part of our contribution, has been used to predict the main macroscopic parameters of the negative lightning discharge. The predicted parameters include the spatial and temporal evolution of the entire discharge, the current and the corresponding electrical charge, the power and energy injected into the gap and the velocity. Assessment of the temporal evolution of the return stroke current is yet another application of the model. The computed results are found to be in good agreement with data reported in the literature.