A statistical simulation of ground-wave atmospherics generated by lightning return strokes

A statistical model of lightning return strokes was used in a simulation program to determine the statistical properties of the atmospherics generated. Although the highly simplified Bruce-Golde model of the return stroke was used, the results of this study compare well with recent experimental investigations. Statistical data were obtained for the α, β, and γ parameters of the Bruce-Golde model which show that the variance of these parameters is too large to allow characterization by a single set of parameter values. The simulation program developed provides a simple means of evaluating the statistical effects of such factors as receiver bandwidth, changes in the nature of the return strokes, or propagation conditions which would be very difficult to evaluate either analytically or experimentally. Two examples of the application of the simulation program are given, the first of which illustrates the importance of the ground-wave correction factor in determining the peak value of the electric field waveform. The second example demonstrates the effect of receiver bandwidth on the observed electric field waveform, and this simulation is equivalent to multiple observations, under different conditions, of exactly the same atmospherics at different propagation distances.