30 Jun 1995
30 Jun 1995
Fractal dimension of lightning discharge
J. Sañudo1, J. B. Gómez2, F. Castaño2, and A. F. Pacheco3
J. Sañudo et al.
J. Sañudo1, J. B. Gómez2, F. Castaño2, and A. F. Pacheco3
- 1Departamento de Fisica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura,06071 Badajoz, Spain
- 2Department of Geological Sciences, University College London, Gower St., London WC1 6BT, U.K.
- 3Departamento de Fisica Teórica, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- 1Departamento de Fisica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura,06071 Badajoz, Spain
- 2Department of Geological Sciences, University College London, Gower St., London WC1 6BT, U.K.
- 3Departamento de Fisica Teórica, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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Using a stochastic model, we simulate the process of dielectric breakdown in the atmosphere and calculate the fractal dimension of 3-dimensional lightning patterns. Finite-size effects have been studied. The projections of our patterns on vertical planes fit the experimental fractal dimension obtained from photographic analysis. This work is inspired by a previous work by A.A. Tsonis.