Energy density calculations for ball-lightning-like luminous silicon balls
Type: Journal, Article Title: Energy density calculations for ball-lightning-like luminous silicon balls Author(s): Paiva, G. S.; Ferreira, J. V.; Bastos, C. C.; Santos, M. V.; Pavão, A. C. Date: 2010/05/11 Abstract: The energy density of a luminous silicon ball [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98 048501 (2007)] is calculated for a model with a metal core surrounded by an atmosphere of silicon oxides. Experimental data combined with the molecular orbital calculations of the oxidation enthalpy lead to a mean energy density of 3.9 MJ m−3, which is within the range of estimates from other ball lightning models. This result provides good evidence to support the silicon-based model. Publisher: IOP Publishing Journal (full): Physics-Uspekhi Volume: 53 Issue: 2 Start Page: 209 Link: http://iopscience.iop.org/1063-7869/53/2/A06 Link (PDF): http://iopscience.iop.org/1063-7869/53/2/A06/pdf/1063-7869_53_2_A06.pdf