Rakov, “A study of the lightning channel corona sheath

[1] Dynamics of lightning channel corona sheath surrounding thin channel core is examined on the basis of three transmission-line-type models of the return stroke that specify different attenuation of longitudinal current with height. The corona sheath conductivity is estimated using measured radial electric field in the immediate vicinity of the lightning channel and measured channel base current. The corona sheath radius, velocity of corona sheath radial expansion, and corona current are examined using a multiexponential approximation of the lightning channel base current waveform. Additionally, energy dissipated in the corona sheath is estimated and compared to that dissipated in the channel core