Shock wave from a lightning discharge

A theoretical model of the shock wave from a lightning discharge ranging from the strong blast wave region out to the acoustic limit is given for the first time. The trajectory and overpressure of the strong shock wave are described by the well-known equations for cylindrical blast waves. In the intermediate shock strength region (1.1 < M < 3.3), the shock trajectory is given by the ‘correct limit’ equation of Vlases and Jones. We derive an additional ‘correct limit’ equation for overpressure that is valid out to the acoustic limit. The correct limit equations predict a much slower decay of the intermediate shock wave; thus, the shock wave is much stronger at large distances from the discharge than was previously believed. Consequently, the range of action of the lightning discharge via its shock wave, as it affects the shattering and freezing of supercooled hydrometeors, may be large.