Superficial lightning injuries--their "fractal" shape and origin

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Forensic Science

Background:

• Superficial lightning burns exhibit complex, often fern-like patterns.
• Understanding the morphology of these burns can provide insights into the nature of lightning strikes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the origin of superficial lightning burns.
• To determine the electrical characteristics responsible for the formation of fractal burn patterns.

Main Methods:

• Application of a recently developed mathematical model to analyze burn morphology.
• Conducting discharge experiments to simulate lightning strike conditions.

Main Results:

• Fern-shaped burns were mathematically identified as fractal patterns.
• Experimental evidence confirmed that surface discharges of positive polarity cause these fractal burns.

Conclusions:

• Fractal burn patterns are indicative of positive polarity surface discharges.
• Recognizing fractal burns can enhance the analysis of lightning strike types and mechanisms.