How to calculate resistivity of coaxial cylinder

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the resistivity and resistance of a coaxial cylinder configuration, specifically focusing on a copper core wire coated with aluminum. Participants explore the implications of geometry and material properties on resistance, considering both axial and radial configurations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about models for calculating the resistivity of coaxial cylinders, particularly with a copper core and aluminum coating.
  • One participant suggests that the resistance can be calculated by adding the resistances of the core and the shield, assuming a straightforward application of the formula for resistance.
  • Another participant challenges this view, stating that the resistances should be treated in parallel rather than in series, emphasizing the importance of conductance in the calculation.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the terminology, with some participants noting that "resistance" is the correct term rather than "resistivity," which is a material property.
  • There is a discussion about the configuration of the coaxial setup, with some participants suggesting that axial current flows through both materials in parallel, while others initially consider a series circuit model.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the setup and seeks clarification on whether the resistances should be added in series or parallel.
  • A later reply acknowledges a misunderstanding regarding the configuration, confirming that the resistances are indeed in parallel.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the correct model for calculating resistance in the coaxial cylinder setup, with some advocating for a series approach and others for a parallel approach. The discussion remains unresolved as different interpretations of the configuration persist.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the setup involves a copper core and aluminum coating, but there is confusion about whether they are tightly attached or separated by an insulator, which affects the resistance calculation. The discussion also highlights the importance of distinguishing between resistance and resistivity.

jacobier
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Is it any model on resisivity of two tightly-attached coaxial cylinder? For example, a copper core wire is coated with layer of aluminum. How to calculate the final resistivity along axis?
 
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There is a method on this but that's related to the radial resistance ( the insulator is consider imperfect).

The resistance along axis seems much simpler to me. Just plug in the cross-sectional area, length and conductivity of both the core and the shield in the related formula ( [itex]R=\frac{l}{σS}[/itex]), and add together the resistance of the core and the shield. Hopefully I'm not missing something!
 
Hassan2 said:
add together the resistance of the core and the shield.

I don't think you mean add the resistances together. These are in parallel here, so it's the conductances that add.

Btw, in the OP, you mean resistance, not resistivity. Resistivity is a property of the material, independent of shape and size.
 
Thank you very much. Actually I mean "resistance". I have been looking for solution for this for a long time. Probably the problem is not as complicated as I thought, no one have interest to talked about that.
 
haruspex said:
I don't think you mean add the resistances together. These are in parallel here, so it's the conductances that add.

Actually what I had in mind is that the two , with a load connected to the end form a series circuit, that's why i added the " resistances" together. (OP asked about resistance along the axis.)
 
Hassan2 said:
Actually what I had in mind is that the two , with a load connected to the end form a series circuit, that's why i added the " resistances" together. (OP asked about resistance along the axis.)
I get the feeling you have the wrong model for the set-up. There's a copper core and an Al coating. The axial current will consist of some current in each, in parallel. At each end there may be some radial flow, but I'm assuming we can ignore that.
 
Haruspex is correct that the conductances add. To do it with resistance instead, separately calculate the resistance of a length of the copper core and the same length of hollow Al tube. The total resistance is the parallel combination of the two, using the usual formula for resistors in parallel.
 
marcusl and haruspex,

In the attached figure, aren't the series resistances of the core and the shield added together to give the cable resistance? Sorry I understand that this is very simple question but I would like to know what I am not getting.

Thanks.
 

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  • #10
Ah - it was me that had the wrong set-up in mind. Yes, they're in series.
 
  • #11
Hassan2 said:
marcusl and haruspex,

In the attached figure, aren't the series resistances of the core and the shield added together to give the cable resistance? Sorry I understand that this is very simple question but I would like to know what I am not getting.

Thanks.

But this is a coaxial cable and not what is described in the OP.
The copper core is not "coated with layer of aluminum" but they are separated by insulator. The OP describes a two tightly attached coaxial cylinders.
 
  • #12
You are right nasu. I got it wrong from the beginning. They are parallel then. Many thanks.
 

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