Analysis of current flow and EM fields in seawater?

In summary, the flow of electricity through seawater is similar to that of a metal conductor in some ways, but also has its own complexities due to the movement of liquids and ionic currents. The fields decay rapidly due to the high dielectric constant of water, making it feasible for DC transmission but not for AC. However, there are underwater HVDC transmission systems that utilize the water as the return current path.
  • #1
vwrobc
1
0
Hi, I have a few queries regarding the flow of electric current through (sea)water...

In general, can the flow of electricity through seawater be treated the same as through a metal conductor?

I am wondering whether the fact that it is ions rather than electrons that carry the charge has any affect?

If a current flows between two point source electrodes, what would the field patterns look like? I'm assuming the field strengths decay exponentially (as per skin effect) in the plane perpendicular to the direction of current flow. Is this correct?

Thanks for any guidance you can offer!
Rob
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The quick answer would be yes and no.

The flow of electricity in matter isn't a simple thing - even in conductors there are complicated things going on. When you add in the tendency of liquids to slosh around and the complication of the ionic currents that could form, it tends towards chaotic.

From the point of view of Physics, it isn't a terribly interesting question. (Complicated, chaotic systems are just not worth bothering with - they give no insight into the basic mechanisms behind phenomena.)

To an Engineer, it might well be, but then you would have to be very specific about which liquid and under what conditions.
 
  • #3
It's similar in some ways and dissimilar in others, you have to be a bit specific. The fields definitely decay rapidly - water has a high dielectric constant.

There's no limit to how deep you can delve into this question, since we're talking about the whole field of electrochemistry basically. Direct current or alternating current? With alternating current you end up with a very high impedance, so it's not really feasible to lead commercial power lines through seawater.

But it is for DC, and there's a good number of underwater HVDC transmission systems that lead the return current through the water, meaning you only need one submarine cable. (for instance the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltic_Cable" connecting Germany and Sweden)
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is the purpose of analyzing current flow and EM fields in seawater?

The purpose of analyzing current flow and EM fields in seawater is to understand the behavior of electrical currents and electromagnetic waves in this unique and complex environment. This information is crucial for a variety of applications, such as marine navigation, communication, and energy production.

2. How is the analysis of current flow and EM fields in seawater conducted?

The analysis of current flow and EM fields in seawater is typically conducted through a combination of theoretical models and experimental measurements. This involves using mathematical equations to describe the behavior of these phenomena and collecting data through instruments and sensors placed in the ocean.

3. What factors affect current flow and EM fields in seawater?

There are several factors that can affect the behavior of current flow and EM fields in seawater. These include the salinity and temperature of the water, the presence of dissolved ions and particles, and the topography and composition of the seafloor.

4. What are some potential applications of the analysis of current flow and EM fields in seawater?

The analysis of current flow and EM fields in seawater has numerous applications in various industries. For example, understanding these phenomena can help improve the design and efficiency of underwater cables and communication systems, as well as aid in the development of renewable energy technologies such as tidal and wave power.

5. What are some challenges in analyzing current flow and EM fields in seawater?

One of the main challenges in analyzing current flow and EM fields in seawater is the complex and constantly changing nature of the marine environment. The presence of saltwater, varying depths, and other factors can make it difficult to collect accurate data and create accurate models. Additionally, the high cost and difficulty of conducting experiments in the ocean can also pose challenges for researchers.

Similar threads

I Is the Poynting Vector Field the Only Factor in Energy Flow in Circuits?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
14
Views
1K
Force acting on a current carrying conductor within a magnetic field
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
838
How can electrons flow all the way through the circuit?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
21
Views
2K
I Magnetic field as result of length contraction
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
17
Views
1K
B field around a wire, single wire electromagnet
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
1K
I Current's Effect on Electrical Arcs
    • Classical Physics
Replies
9
Views
476
Can a time-varying magnetic field pass a metal sheet?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
2K
I EM field and EM wave
    • Classical Physics
Replies
3
Views
230
Electric field due to current carrying conductor
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
2K
I How relative is the magnetic field of a current carrying conductor?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
154

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top