The objective of this research is the measurement and interpretation of the horizontal component of the electric field very close to the lightning stroke. The experiment will take place at the Kennedy Space Center during Summer 1991 and will involve rocket-triggered lightning. The proposed measurements and analysis are important for the modelling of the lower part of the lightning channel, in particular the lightning attachment process and the coupling of electromagnetic energy from very close lightning to overhead wires. The electromagnetics research group from the Ecole Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne in Switzerland has offered to share with the University of Florida their electric field measuring equipment: 2 Thomson CSF electric field sensors (wideband EMP sensors ideally suited for close lightning measurements), a LeCroy 4 channel digitalizing oscilloscope, and a controlling computer. Additionally the group will provide one experienced Ph.D. student and possibly one additional graduate student who will travel to the Kennedy Space Center for Summer 1991 to cooperate with our research group in making the proposed electric field measurements and who will bring the Swiss equipment to Gainesville and help in the calibration in Spring 1991.
