The influence of buildings on the propagation of electromagnetic waves generated by lightning

Abstract

Presence of buildings affects the propagation of electromagnetic waves generated by atmospheric discharges, creating different patterns of the fields responsible for induced overvoltages. Since the fields have in general a complex configuration, the study of the phenomenon can be performed, for example, in reduced scale models or by computer simulations, aiming to analyze the behavior of the fields in different situations. This paper presents a 3D electromagnetic computer simulation, using the software CST Design Studio Suit, to evaluate the influence of parameters such as material and height of the buildings and ground characteristics on the horizontal and vertical components of the electric field generated by lightning.