In this paper the electromagnetic field produced by a lightning current analytically described by the so called double exponential model is compared with the field produced by the same current (same peak, rise and decay time) analytically described by the model proposed by Heidler. The exponential model has been widely used in literature for its simplicity and its relatively good accuracy. The Heidler model is more complex, but removes the main problem shown by the double exponential: the non-zero derivative at the beginning of the lightning pulse in contrast with the physical phenomenon. In the lightning electromagnetic pulse (LEMP) simulations both models are now used. In the paper we aim to make a comparison between the two. In particular we show that the two models are fairly equivalent in the frequency range up to 2 MHz, namely the range of interest of typical lightning phenomena. In addition, the double exponential model is shown to be conservative for higher frequencies.

Abstract-In this paper the results of the estimated electric field associated with tortuous lightning paths at close distance (50 m to 500 m) are shown. Such results are compared with experimental data available in the literature and are illustrated along with a quantitative analysis of the field waveforms and their frequency spectra. The limits of the usual straight-vertical channel assumption and the influence of tortuosity at different azimuth and distances from the lightning channel base are also highlighted.