Resistance calculation on right angle current flow

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the theoretical calculation of resistance in a rectangular conductor where the current flows at a right angle, specifically from the bottom to the right side. Participants explore various methods and considerations for calculating resistance in this scenario, including references to existing literature and experimental findings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the standard formula for resistance, R=ρ A/L, but seeks clarification on its application when current flows at a right angle.
  • Another participant suggests that the cross-sectional area should be perpendicular to the current direction, proposing a formula R=ρ(LW/H) for a vertical current flow.
  • A participant expresses the need for a different approach when the current turns to the right, indicating that the configuration of electrodes affects the current flow.
  • One suggestion involves breaking the resistance into several rectangular resistances and integrating to find the total resistance.
  • Another participant mentions that numerical calculations may be necessary due to the non-uniform current density in this configuration.
  • There is a proposal to experimentally determine resistance by measuring how current varies with voltage.
  • Concerns are raised about the validity of applying simple resistance formulas when electrodes are placed on the faces of the conductor, suggesting that current may not flow as expected.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to approach the calculation of resistance in this scenario. There is no consensus on a single method or formula, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the existing formulas when applied to configurations with right-angle current flow, noting the complexity introduced by non-uniform current density and the need for numerical methods or experimental validation.

Richard92
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
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) )
 

Attachments

  • 캡처.PNG
    캡처.PNG
    5.3 KB · Views: 654
Physics news on Phys.org
캡처.PNG

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.
 
Last edited:
Untitled.png

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).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
  • · Replies 131 ·
5
Replies
131
Views
8K