Lightning Induced Voltages: A Comparison Between Mathematical Modelling and Measurements on Reduced Scale Structures of Offshore Oil Platforms

This paper focus on the expected accuracy of some mathematical modelling techniques for evaluating the behavior of electrically large metallic structures, such as offshore oil platforms, under the effects of lightning currents. Comparison to measurements obtained on three reduced (1:100) scale models is described, each one presenting typical configuration present in most platforms. This work aimed the development of some specific experimental procedures necessary for achieving a close correspondence to numerical models. Measurements were performed at the newly inaugurated lEE laboratory University of Sao Paulo, Brazil: an overview of the installations and experimental procedures are provided in the text. In conclusion it was shown that the mathematical modelling allows to estimate with reasonable accuracy the main characteristics of the electromagnetic environment on large metallic structures under the influence of lightning.