Articles | Volume 2, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-2-101-1995
https://doi.org/10.5194/npg-2-101-1995
30 Jun 1995
30 Jun 1995

Fractal dimension of lightning discharge

J. Sañudo, J. B. Gómez, F. Castaño, and A. F. Pacheco

Abstract. 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.