Induced potentials inside vessels containing flammable liquids during direct lightning strike

This paper proposes a numerical procedure, based on finite difference time domain method, to compute the transient and spatial potential distributions inside vessels containing flammable liquids, induced by a direct lightning strike. By using a circuit model to simulate the metallic vessel, it is possible to compute the transient potential distribution on the external vessel walls. These potential values are used as boundary conditions to solve the partial differential equation system, valid at the inner of the container. The model takes into account the transient and nonuniform volume charge density inside the liquid and the temporal accumulation of charges at the air/liquid interface. The transient and spatial distribution of the potential in the container is analyzed in order to detect possible hazards.