The physical nature of electrons with “anomalous” energies in fast atmospheric discharges

This paper deals with the phenomenon of runaway electrons generation in fast discharges under atmospheric pressures. For the first time we explain the existence of runaway electrons having so-called “anomalous” energies (above the applied voltage value) according to physical kinetics principles. The model we consider provides comprehensive information on the formation and development of runaway electron beams with respect to different initial experimental conditions. The numerical results we obtain fit the existing experimental data for discharges in air.