Testing of ground conductors with artificially generated lightning current

Alternative conductors for lightning protection applications favorable for use in mobile systems have been tested to demonstrate high levels of protection against maximal lightning events. The method of determining the survivability of the down conductors was to expose each type of conductor to maximal lightning events generated by a large Marx capacitor bank. Each type of conductor was tested until mechanical failure occurred or until it survived four exposures to the lightning event. A test to determine the effect of physical damage on conductor performance was also conducted. A theory attributing interstrand or intraconductor magnetic forces, rather than ohmic heating, as the primary cause of conductor failure is proposed. Results Indicate that two types of tested conductor exist which can provide protection against maximal lightning events, yet have properties that lend themselves to mobile application.