Thunderstorm Algorithm

The lightning is considered as an atmospheric discharge during thunderstorms or other possibility factors produced by several steps in terms of Charge separation; Leader formation; and Discharge channel. The lightning process is also defined as an electric discharge in the form of a spark in a charged cloud that the negative and positive charges are deployed at different positions where a set of electrical processes can be produced by a thunderstorm rapidly. Moreover, many studies have been done to observe these phenomena with numerous discussions for searching suitable models and understanding its mechanisms. Another aspect, Thunderstorm Algorithm (TA) has adopted a phenomenon of the multiple lightning in nature for pretending natural processes performed using several stages is associated with a natural mechanism. By considering this phenomenon, its mechanisms are transferred into certain procedures as the sequencing computation presented in pseudo-codes in terms of Cloud Phase; Streamer Phase; and Avalanche Phase. Cloud Phase is used to produce cloud charges and to evaluate the clouds before defining the pilot leader. Cloud Phase can be charged using possibility mechanisms of the forward cloud charge, expanded cloud charge, and reverse cloud charge. Another step, Streamer Phase, is supposed to define the prior streamer and to guide striking directions included the path evaluation for defining the streaming track. In other words, Streamer Phase is used to select the initial locked point and multiple striking directions whereas Avalanche Phase evaluates channels and updates the streaming track. The final process is Avalanche Phase, which is used to evaluate channels, replace the streaming track for keeping the streamer. In particular, the searching mechanism is conducted to striking processes and channeling avalanches to deploy the cloud charges. TA is also consisted of various distances of the striking direction related to the hazardous factor for each position of the striking targets.