Lightning/Sparks physics equation

[agadish]

Hi there,
I'm programming a lightning simulation project and I need some equations about sparks physics in order to know when a lightning splits, calculate it's energy and etc.
And I also have a question: Is it posible that a lightning from one point to another will find two same roots and will split at point one and then merge at point two?
Thank you very much!

 

[Dotini]

Look at "The Lightning Discharge", by Martin Uman, Dover, 2001.

Respectfully,
Steve

 

[agadish]

Thank you for the comment Steve.
I've searched the book but I couldn't find a free version of it, and I don't want to buy it because I don't know if it will help me.
I thought about the lightning and conjectured that a lightning splits to every comfortable route when it comes out from the lightning until one or more route get to the ground.
I conjectured that in that moment every split of the lightning continutes to the ground if it takes less energy than returning to the main split which arrived the ground. Is it true?
P.S: Sorry if my english was bad

 

[Bobbywhy]

agadish, I agree with Steve: Anyone and everyone who is interested in learning about lightning should own a copy of Uman's latest book, and study it, also.

You can buy it online at Amazon.com:

"The Lightning Discharge" (Dover Books on Physics) by Martin A. Uman and Physics (Jan 24, 2001)

US $14.83

The little book carries a wealth of informative facts and does answer most of what you asked about here. If you do not find exactly the answer in Uman's book, then probably the references given in the book will help.

 

[sardar]

Hello! I can provide you with some equations and information about the physics of lightning and sparks. One of the key equations that describes the behavior of lightning is known as the "force balance equation." This equation takes into account factors such as the electric field, current density, and temperature to determine the path and behavior of a lightning bolt.

As for your question about a lightning bolt splitting and merging at two points, it is possible but rare. This phenomenon is known as "forked lightning" and occurs when a lightning bolt is attracted to two separate points of opposite charge. However, the chances of this happening are very low and it is difficult to predict when and where it may occur.

In terms of calculating the energy of a lightning bolt, there are several factors that need to be considered such as the voltage, current, and duration of the strike. The equation for calculating the energy of a lightning bolt is: Energy = 0.5 x capacitance x voltage squared.

I hope this information helps with your simulation project. Best of luck!