The Lightning Flash

Vernon Cooray is Full Professor in Electricity at the Division for Electricity and Lightning Research, The Angström Laboratory, Uppsala University, and is responsible for postgraduate studies in the field of Atmospheric Electrical Discharges. Professor Cooray is the Swedish member of CIGRE-WG33.01 (lightning location), CIGRE-WG33.02 (interaction of electromagnetic fields with power lines) and CIGREWG33.04 (soil ionisation) and is the chairman of the CIGRE-WG33.03 (lightning interception). He is also a member of the scientific committee of the International Conference on Lightning Protection. Professor Cooray has conducted experimental and theoretical research work in electromagntic compatibility, electromagnetic wave propagation, lightning physics, lightning protection and discharge physics, has authored and coauthored more than 150 scientific papers, and is the author of a popular book in Swedish (Blixt ock Åska - Så fungerar naturens fyrverkeri, Hallgren & Fallgren) on lightning.

Chapter 1: Charge structure and geographical variation of thunderclouds
Chapter 2: Thunderstorm electrification mechanisms
Chapter 3: Mechanism of electrical discharges
Chapter 4: The mechanism of the lightning flash
Chapter 5: Computation of electromagnetic fields from lightning discharge
Chapter 6: Mathematical modelling of return strokes
Chapter 7: The effects of propagation on electric radiation fields
Chapter 8: Interaction of electromagnetic fields generated by lightning with overhead electrical networks
Chapter 9: Lightning and EMC
Chapter 10: Principles of protection of structures against lightning
Chapter 11: Electrical aspects of lightning strike to humans