Resistance calculation on right angle current flow

AI Thread Summary
The resistance of a rectangular shape is calculated using R=ρ A/L, but determining resistance when current flows at a right angle is more complex. Theoretical calculations suggest breaking the resistance into smaller rectangular sections and integrating, though this approach can be complicated due to non-uniform current density. Experimental methods may provide insights by measuring how current varies with voltage to derive resistance. The discussion emphasizes that the simple formula for resistance is an approximation and may not apply directly in cases with angled current flow. Accurate resistance calculations in these scenarios likely require numerical methods or detailed experimental analysis.
Richard92
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As you know, resistance of a rectangular shape is given by R=ρ A/L

But how do we theoretically calculate the resistance of the bottom case? ( now, the current flow is not parrallel, current flows from bottom through the right side)

I would like to know if there is any references for this calculation,

As far, I found a reference on EDN forum, (http://www.edn.com/design/component...thod-to-quickly-estimate-PWB-trace-resistance)

Jaeger has experimentally calculated on a case which the current flows on right angle. (resistance drops by 0.56 *(sheet resistance) )
 

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The cross-sectional area is to be perpendicular to the direction of current and the length is to be measured in the direction parallel to current flow.
So, in the second case, the cross-sectional area will be ##L\cdot W## and the length will be ##H##.
$$R=\frac{\rho\cdot Area}{Length}=\frac{\rho LW}{H}$$
 
Thanks arpon, but still your case is explaining when the current flow is vertical, I would like to know when the flow is turning to the right side. In other words, the two electrodes are on the bottom and the right side.
 
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In that case, you can break the resistance into several rectangular shaped resistances and then integrate.
 
Richard92 said:
Thanks arpon, but still your case is explaining when the current flow is vertical, I would like to know when the flow is turning to the right side. In other words, the two electrodes are on the bottom and the right side.
In that case you most likely will have to use some numerical calculations. Not likely to find and "easy" formula. The current density is not uniform in this case and you need to find how it depends on position.
Or you can experimentally research how the current varies with voltage and this will give you the resistance.
 
With how it seems, the integration would be a little more complicated, since currents usually flow throughout the entire conductor, something similar to what Arpon has suggested usually works. After all it depends on the cross sectional area. The expression of the shape itself is not hard to find, as to express it you could do with some plane equations.
Another method would be breaking the the shape into small resistors in parallel and integrate, but that'd be stupidly difficult I think.
 
I doubt it that it works at all. The fact that you put two electrodes on the faces does not mean that the current goes perpendicular to these slices.
Even if you have two "point "electrodes on the opposite faces the simple formula is only an approximation for an extended cube (rather than a thin wire).
 
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