Magnetic Field -- break in the continuity of a conductor

[ManUp]

Hi! Just curious...
Does a break in the continuity of a conductor's volume affect its magnetic field, resistance, etc?

 

[Doug Huffman]

A continuous circuit is necessary for an electric current and an electric current of charges is required to generate a magnetic field. Now if you mean a nick in the volume, then resistance is proportional to the effective area of the conductor.

 

[ManUp]

thanks for the reply.
what if the cross-sectional area of a conductor is not uniform, say there are microscopic fractures in a certain region, is there some way to detect this?
Does this make sense?

 

[Doug Huffman]

Sure, makes sense, and yes, many ways. Reflectometry from my experience, or merely resistance of the conductor.

 

[ManUp]

this is just amazing! does reflectometry work even for low-frequency radiation? I only know xray reflectometry.