In Support of a Physical Explanation of Ball Lightning

A compilation of 17 observations of ball lightning showing the most energetic effects is presented along with estimates of their energy content. These observations were chosen from several thousand for the much stronger interaction of each ball lightning on its surroundings, and the method of energy estimation outlined. The case is put that some of the observations show a higher energy than self-contained chemical energy could provide. Comments have been added to the paper, arguing that the energy estimations themselves should be consistent with whatever model is used for ball lightning. For example, the presence of reacting nanoparticles releasing chemical energy may bring about the same observed effects with lower estimated energy.

show abstract

“…16. (Wittman 1971(Wittman , 1993 A large BL had separated into 8-12 smaller BLs. Each of them left a melted trace on wet asphalt.…”

Section: Ball Lightning Energy From Observationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the energy characteristics of ball lightning

Bychkov

Бычков

Abrahamson

2001

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Seri

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…According to the report, the BL had constant brightness for 15 minutes, then gradually dissipated. Some reports of BL comment on damage caused by the object, and these descriptions have sometimes been used to derive estimates of its energy content (Altschuler et al , 1970; Wittmann, 1971). No damage was noted in this event.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An early scientific report of ball lightning from Brazil

Farrona

Vaquero

2012

Weather

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…1, Grigor'ev (1990); 2-5, Egely (1987, case numbers 270c, 222c, 58, 270c); 6, Stenhoff (1999); 7,Singer (1971),Kozlov (1978); 8,Dmitriev et al . (1981); 9, Goodlet case,Barry (1980); 10-13,Stakhanov (1979, case numbers 30, 33, 34, 35); 14, 20, Imianitov & Tikhii (1980); 15,Barry (1980);Singer (1971); 16,Wittman (1971); 18,Barry (1980); 18, Bychkov et al . (1996a-d, estimates of energy required to make a hole in a pot); 20, theory cellulose-type structure; 21, theory CH4-type structure(Bychkov 1994).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Polymer‐composite ball lightning

Бычков

2001

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Seri

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Investigations into the state of ball lightning (BL) have been made, and both theory and experiments, related to so-called "polymer-composite" ball lightning, are presented. The properties of such a polymeric BL have been described and are that of a long-lived object capable of storing high energy. Results of experiments, starting with polymeric components in erosive gas discharge experiments, are described and discussed. The model of BL as a highly charged polymer-dielectric structure is described. According to this model BL appears as the result of the aggregation of natural polymers, such as lignin and cellulose, soot, polymeric silica and other natural dust particles. Its ability to glow is explained by the appearance over its perimeter of gas discharges near the highly charged BL surface, and electrical breakdown of some regions on the surface, consisting of polymerized and aggregated threads.

show abstract

In Support of a Physical Explanation of Ball Lightning

Cited by 9 publications

References 6 publications

On the energy characteristics of ball lightning

On the energy characteristics of ball lightning

An early scientific report of ball lightning from Brazil

Polymer‐composite ball lightning

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About