Fundamentals of Lightning - by Vladimir A Rakov (Hardcover)

Number of Pages: 248
Genre: Science
Sub-Genre: Earth Sciences
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Age Range: Adult
Book theme: Meteorology & Climatology
Author: Vladimir A Rakov
Language: English

About the Book

Presents the current state of the art in lightning science, for advanced undergraduate and graduate students on a single-semester course.

Book Synopsis

This new book provides a focused set of topics suitable for advanced undergraduate or graduate courses on lightning. It presents the current state of the art in lightning science including areas such as lightning modeling, calculation of lightning electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic methods of lightning location, and lightning damaging effects and protective techniques. Pedagogical features designed to facilitate class learning include end-of-chapter summaries, further reading suggestions, questions and problems, and a glossary explaining key lightning and atmospheric electricity terms. A selection of appendices are provided at the end of the book, which include detailed derivations of exact equations for computing electric and magnetic fields produced by lightning. Designed for a single-semester course on lightning and its effects, and written in a style accessible to technical non-experts, this book will also be a useful, up-to-date reference for scientists, engineers and practitioners who have to deal with lightning in their work.

Review Quotes

This is a very clear, easy to read and insightful book on one of the most fascinating and yet complex natural phenomena. The content and structure of the book are well designed for use on an undergraduate or graduate course on lightning. It is enriched with interesting exercises and problems, and is nicely complemented by nine instructive appendices. The book is a must for anyone interested in understanding lightning and its effects.
Farhad Rachidi, Electromagnetic Compatibility Laboratory (EMC Lab), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

This is an outstanding textbook, written by a leading expert in our field. It provides an excellent quantitative and in-depth treatment of lightning from its atmospheric origins through to its practical implications. The content is nicely organized and layered, making it well-suited for a variety of levels of undergraduate and graduate courses in electrical engineering, applied physics and atmospheric sciences. It will also serve as a great long-term reference for researchers in our field.
Kenneth L. Cummins, University of Arizona