The Use of Artificial Тhunderstorm Clouds/Cells for Studying Some Problems of Lightning Physics and Lightning Protection

The article addresses some topical problems of lightning physics and lightning protection for solving of which new experimental approaches are required. These include lightning initiation processes, lightning discharge main stage development processes, features pertinent to the processes through which lightning hits on-ground facilities and aircraft, and methods for improving their lightning protection. One of such approaches involves the use of artificial thunderstorm clouds/cells and electrical discharges from them for physically modeling the processes through which lightning hits on-ground facilities and aircraft. The article formulates the requirements for experimental complexes aimed at studying the physics of lightning and lightning protection of on-ground facilities and aircraft using artificial thunderstorm clouds/cells. The current state of the problem of producing highly charged aerosol structures (artificial thunderstorm clouds/cells) able to initiate electrical discharges of various types is reviewed. The main characteristics and capabilities of the GROZA (THUNDERSTORM) experimental and measuring system are presented. Conclusions about the prospects of using artificial thunderstorm clouds/cells and electrical discharges from them for physically modeling and studying a number of key problems in the physics of lightning and lightning protection of on-ground facilities and aircraft have been drawn.