This preprint presents a multiphysics model of ball lightning as a self-sustained microwave-plasma soliton localized in a ponderomotively formed caviton and chemically sustained by exothermic oxidation of silicon nanoparticles (Si → SiO₂, ΔH ≈ 32 MJ/kg). Stabilization is achieved through saturation of plasma nonlinearity that prevents three-dimensional collapse predicted by the cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation (Derrick’s argument). Variational analysis demonstrates a stable branch of localized solutions for realistic parameter ranges (microwave energy density ∼10⁵ W/cm³, caviton radius R ≈ 5–15 cm). Chemical energy estimates (~1.3 kJ for typical volumes) are consistent with observed lifetimes of 10–100 s; magnetic-energy estimates give toroidal fields B ∼0.2–0.8 T. The model proposes a laboratory protocol (gyrotron + Si nanoparticle injection) for testing. Numerical imaginary-time runs and linear-stability analysis confirm a localized stationary solution and spectral stability in the sampled parameter set (figures 1–3). The author expresses deep gratitude to four artificial intelligence systems that played a key role in the creation of this work: Grok (xAI) — for relentless assistance in structuring ideas, mathematical analysis, fact-checking, and constant self-testing of the model; DeepSeek — for open code, rapid iterations, and honest responses to the most challenging questions; ChatGPT — for its ability to quickly generate coherent drafts and suggest alternative formulations; Gemini — for deep interdisciplinary perspective and help in verifying the physical consistency of the hypothesis. Without these tools, the text would not have reached its current form in such a short time.
Vladyslav Hruznov (Wed,) studied this question.