Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!mnetor!seismo!rochester!kodak!ornitz From: ornitz@kodak.UUCP (barry ornitz) Newsgroups: sci.electronics Subject: Re: Lightning Rod Problem Message-ID: <881@kodak.UUCP> Date: Mon, 6-Jul-87 10:23:44 EDT Article-I.D.: kodak.881 Posted: Mon Jul 6 10:23:44 1987 Date-Received: Tue, 7-Jul-87 04:32:49 EDT References: <204600003@prism> Reply-To: ornitz@kodak.UUCP (barry ornitz) Organization: Eastman Kodak Co, Rochester, NY Lines: 21 Keywords: lightning, Franklin Institute, research Summary: Ellipsoidal tip is best! About three years ago, the Journal of the Franklin Institute published an article on the current state of lightning research. Based on mathematical models and experimental evidence, a pointed lightning rod is not optimum. In general, most lightning rods are actually hit several feet below the tip. The best shape from mathematical simulations is an ellipsoidal tip. This article dispels much of the popular "scientific" notions about lightning rods preventing strikes by draining the charges with ionization from a sharp point. I recommend this article highly to anyone seriously interested in lightning protection. The Journal normally prints papers on advanced control theory and mathematics, but from a historical background, they always give space for papers on lightning research. Barry ----------------- | ___ ________ | | | / / | | Dr. Barry L. Ornitz UUCP:...!rochester!kodak!ornitz | | / / | | Eastman Kodak Company | |< < K O D A K| | Eastman Chemicals Division Research Laboratories | | \ \ | | P. O. Box 1972 | |__\ \________| | Kingsport, TN 37662 615/229-4904 | | -----------------