Simulation of energized Franklin rods for lightning protection

In this paper, the onset criterion of the upward streamers from an energized Franklin rod is formulated as a function of the geometry of the rod and the height and current of the downward leader. The electric field in the vicinity of the lightning rod is calculated using the charge simulation technique. The dependency of the radius of protection on the amplitude of the pulse voltage applied to the Franklin rod, the downward leader current, and the tip radius and height of the rod is investigated.