Performance assessment of lightning shielding systems Part I. Developmental analysis

Abstract

This paper describes the analytical basis and development of a computer program for the performance assessment of lightning shielding systems (PALSS). The program is specifically written for a PC-AT for the convenience of engineers and designers whose design methods are now tending towards the use of software in workstations. The program is written in C language, is very user friendly and is enhanced with illustrative graphics. The analytical method used is based on a three-dimensional implementation of the electrogeometric model of the lightning stroke and shielding system configuration together with the structures that are required to be protected. A Monte Carlo technique is used to manipulate the statistical distributions of the lightning stroke parameters to yield a quantitative assessment. Examples of the use and usefulness of such a program are included. It is envisaged that the design of lightning protection systems for structures will be able to rely on such statistically based methods which can now be so easily and conveniently used. © 1993.