Determination of the lightning current from its thermal effects

Lightning accidents are random events whose electrical magnitudes are difficult to be measured or estimated. However, analyzing its consequences, some of its parameters, such as its possible trajectory to earth and current waveform and amplitude, can be reconstructed. This paper presents a methodology applied to estimate the lightning current based on both its thermal effects on a conducting material and on the burns left on a victim. The thermal effects are reconstructed by studying the skin burns left by a stainless steel pearl-like necklace wore by a soldier, which conducted an indirect lightning current. The current amplitude is estimated through Joule heating simulations in Comsol Multiphysics of a section of the metallic necklace. Analysis of results shows feasible lightning current amplitudes and waveforms, which could have impacted the victim. The methodology used here to reconstruct and to evaluate the lightning current could be of interest for further studies on understanding lightning accidents. Furthermore, the reconstructed lightning current amplitude could be a reference value for the future protection systems of population at risk in similar conditions.