Development of ultra-high-speed image-based technology for the study of lightning and lightning interactions

闪电是自然界中最不可预测和最具破坏性的力量之一，对建筑基础设施、交通连接、数据连接和配电网络构成相当大的威胁。在过去的20年里，气候变化导致全球范围内雷击的频率和能量急剧增加，预计这一趋势将继续下去。越来越多的科学家对开发新的工具和技术进行基础研究，研究闪电和闪电与材料和结构的相互作用，以更好地减轻破坏性影响。雷电电弧演化、温度梯度、纳秒时间尺度上的能量分布和耗散等特性都是这项工作的关键。本项目旨在开发基于超高速图像的技术，以记录和测量高电压和高电流实验室产生的雷电电弧在空气中的电磁辐射及其与导电和绝缘材料的相互作用。这将主要包括光学发射光谱，但也仍然，视频和纹影技术。重点将放在250至950纳米波长范围内，用于高达400 kV和200 kA的闪电电弧。然后将使用数学分析和建模技术来得出各种特性。主要应用将是电力能源领域，但其他领域也将包括在内，如建筑环境和交通。这是工程学院和物理学院之间的联合项目，它将设在卡迪夫大学的闪电研究实验室。该设施是欧洲唯一的同类设施，也是全球仅有的几个设施之一，具有广泛的先进诊断和分析能力。成功的候选人将被整合到一个历史悠久的世界领先的研究小组，提供良好的指导和合作机会，特别是与我们的国内和国际学术和工业合作伙伴。学生将参加实践培训计划，并将参加研讨会，会议，以及准备期刊论文和赠款申请。也可能有机会参与公众参与，如在学校，青年团体和节日的讲座。预计将有一些国内和国际旅行。

Lightning is one of the most unpredictable and destructive forces in nature, and poses a considerable threat to building infrastructure, transportation links, data connections, and power distribution networks. Climate change has seen a dramatic increase in the frequency and energy of lightning strikes worldwide over the last twenty years, and this trend is predicted to continue. There is growing scientific interest in developing new tools and techniques for the fundamental study of lightning and lightning interactions with materials and structures, to better mitigate destructive effects. The characterisation of lightning arc evolution, temperature gradients, and energy distribution and dissipation on the nanosecond timescale are all key to this work.This project aims to develop ultra-high-speed image-based technology to record and measure the electromagnetic emissions from both high voltage and high current laboratory generated lightning arcs both within the air and its interaction with conductive and insulating materials. This will primarily include optical emission spectroscopy, but also still, video, and schlieren techniques. The focus will be within the 250 to 950 nm wavelength range for lightning arcs up to 400 kV and 200 kA. Mathematical analysis and modelling techniques will then be used to derive various characteristics. The primary application will be the electrical energy sector, but other sectors will also be included, such as the built environment and transportation.This is a joint project between the Schools of Engineering and Physics, and it will be based at Cardiff University's lightning research laboratory. This facility is the only one of its kind in Europe, and one of only a few worldwide, incorporating a wide range of advanced diagnostic and analytical capabilities. The successful candidate will be integrated into a long-established and world-leading research group with excellent opportunities for mentoring and collaboration, particularly with our national and international academic and industrial partners.The student will be enrolled in a programme of practical training, and will be expected to participate in seminars, conferences, and the preparation of journal papers and grant applications. There may also be opportunities to be involved in public engagement, such as talks at schools, youth groups, and festivals. Some national and international travel is expected.