Marc Posted August 3, 2020 Report Share Posted August 3, 2020 (edited) I posted this photo from a FB page. I remember seeing something like it in the past but I refute the claims that it's static charges that caused it. Anyone know how it happens? Edited August 3, 2020 by Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted August 3, 2020 Report Share Posted August 3, 2020 I remember an explanation about it from a materials scientist many years ago. As I recall, the visible patterns reflect stresses in the plastic, but I'm less sure about why the dust sticks to some area more than others. Static charge seems like a reasonable explanation. The areas under stress might have a slightly different charge than the areas around them. I know I can just wipe it off with a finger and see absolutely no other evidence of a pattern in the plastic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADAIR Posted August 4, 2020 Report Share Posted August 4, 2020 (edited) looks very similar to Lichtenberg figures http://www.capturedlightning.com/frames/lichtenbergs.html Edited August 4, 2020 by BADAIR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted August 4, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2020 A lot of discussion on the FB page where this photo came from but no consensus or even a majority opinion. My money is on micro arcing, initiated by low grade lightning strikes and facilitated by dust and moisture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted August 4, 2020 Report Share Posted August 4, 2020 I see it very often and lightning is almost unheard of here. When we get lightning, it makes the front page of the local paper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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