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Polymer-composite ball lightning.

V L Bychkov1

  • 1Institute for High Temperatures, Russian Academy of Science, Izhorskaya 13/19, Moscow 127412, Russia.

Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences
|October 8, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Polymer-composite ball lightning (BL) is a long-lived, high-energy object. This study presents a model of BL as a charged polymer-dielectric structure formed from natural materials, explaining its glow via gas discharges.

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Area of Science:

  • Atmospheric Physics
  • Materials Science
  • Plasma Physics

Background:

  • Ball lightning (BL) is a rare atmospheric phenomenon with poorly understood properties.
  • Previous theories have not fully explained the observed characteristics of BL, such as its longevity and energy storage.
  • The concept of a polymer-composite structure for BL has been proposed but requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the theoretical and experimental aspects of polymer-composite ball lightning.
  • To describe the properties of a polymeric BL model, focusing on its energy storage and longevity.
  • To present a model of BL as a highly charged polymer-dielectric structure.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical modeling of a polymer-composite ball lightning structure.
  • Experimental investigation using erosive gas discharge with polymeric components.
  • Analysis of experimental results to support the proposed model.

Main Results:

  • The study describes polymeric BL as a long-lived object capable of storing high energy.
  • Experiments involving polymeric components in erosive gas discharges yielded relevant data.
  • A model is presented where BL forms from aggregated natural polymers, soot, and silica dust.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed model explains BL as a highly charged polymer-dielectric structure.
  • The glow of BL is attributed to gas discharges and electrical breakdown on its surface.
  • The aggregation of natural polymers and dust particles is key to BL formation.

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