lightning strikes

There was a very thorough and informative thread just a short time ago:

http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/10231

Tdesmit

Looked at the comment,

Faraday, likely, but the AC theory makes sence too. could be both, but ! Environment could be another factor, and, as discussed in earlier thread on magnetic fields effect on human body, something came up two month ago concerning powerlines. The hydro bill did not come alone, a warning came with it and i will investigate further on the warning passing under a powerline affecting us. Too early to deapen the discussion, brain storming with my friends "engineers" should occur first.

Back to the drawing board.

YC

I think I can give you some definite answers.

No, the tires don't do a thing. Friends of my were sitting at a traffic light when their minivan was hit. Blew all four tires and welded the wheel bearings.

A metal vehicle is obviously some help but is not perfect. The record holder for being hit by lightning, US Park Ranger Roy Sullivan, was hit twice while in a vehicle.

Tires do not insulate the car from the lighning. The metal body acts as a Farady cage that directs the current around the occupants. You will be safe inside the car as long as you are not in contact with the exterior or there is no conductive path from you to the exterior.

One of the foremost lightning researchers today is Ron Holle. I heard him make a presentation in Tulsa a long time ago when he worked at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, Oklahoma. I believe he is now working in Arizona. He might be interested in hearing your friend's story.

A metal roof might provide some protection from lightning, but the best protection is to give the lightning an easy path to ground that takes it away from your household wiring. That's the principle behind Benjamin Franklin's lightning rod. If you want or need a more high-tech approach to lightning protection, PolyPhaser Corporation offers an assortment of products and some literature. You can check them out at www.polyphaser.com, or http://www.globalspec.com/Supplier/Profile/PolyPhaser.