Which Wire Mesh Specifications Influence Resistance and Heat Generation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on selecting the appropriate wire mesh for a heating application powered by a 1.2v NiMH battery. The user is considering 304 stainless steel wire mesh, specifically the SS-080-0070-01 model, and seeks to understand how various specifications such as wire diameter, open area percentage, and thickness influence resistance and heat generation. Key insights include the relationship between wire diameter and resistance, with a lower diameter resulting in higher resistance. The user also explores alternatives like nichrome wire and standard resistors for effective heating.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical resistance and Ohm's Law
  • Familiarity with wire mesh specifications and materials, specifically 304 stainless steel
  • Knowledge of heating elements and their applications in circuits
  • Basic principles of thermal dynamics related to electrical components
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of wire diameter on electrical resistance in heating applications
  • Investigate the role of open area percentage in heat dissipation for wire mesh
  • Learn about nichrome wire properties and its advantages over stainless steel for heating
  • Explore ASTM E2016-06 standards for wire mesh and their implications on performance
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, hobbyists designing heating elements, and anyone interested in optimizing wire mesh for thermal applications will benefit from this discussion.

algar32
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I am building a circuit that is hooked up to a 1.2v NiMH battery. I will be using a wire mesh similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_...mesh&ie=UTF8&qid=1363133769&tag=pfamazon01-20

Unless there is a better mesh for this application.

I want as much power as possible to be dissipated as heat across this wire mesh? Can you help me find an approach to solving this?

Based off of reading the specifications here (and pasted below):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005H3GPS6/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Brand Name
Small Parts

Part Number
SS-080-0070-01

Material Type
304 Stainless Steel

Exterior Finish
Unpolished (Mill)

System of Measurement
Inch

Overall Length
12 inches

Length Tolerance
1/8 inches

Thickness
0.007 inches

Thickness Tolerance
1/16 inches

Width
12 inches

Width Tolerance
1/8 inches

Wire Diameter
0.007 inches

Mesh Opening Size
0.006 inches

Open Area %
19

Specification Met
ASTM E2016-06

Item Shape
Sheet

Number of Items
1

Size Name
Mesh Size #80 X 80

There are quite a few variables in the mesh specifications and I was hoping someone could help me determine which ones I can use to determine what mesh I should purchase.

Thanks.
 
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Generally wire mesh operates at high current and batteries are low current.
Would it be possible to use standard resistors or nichrome wire?
If you would include details of what you are trying to do, someone might be able to help you.
 
Carl Pugh said:
Generally wire mesh operates at high current and batteries are low current.
Would it be possible to use standard resistors or nichrome wire?
If you would include details of what you are trying to do, someone might be able to help you.

I'm trying to make a heating mesh, similar to that of this mini vape device:
http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Mini-Vape-Pictures/

I just would like to know what mesh design specifications will result in the most heat. Thanks.
 
Thanks for the suggestion. In that article he actually says he uses: http://www.twpinc.com/wire-mesh/TWPCAT_10/p_325X325TL0014W48T

This seems to have quite similar specifications to the one you posted from mcmaster. I did notice mcmaster does allow you to purchase a small sample, which is a good thing if I end up purchasing from there.

My final question is this:
I know I can copy meshes from others projects, but is there any way for me to learn exactly which specifications of a wire mesh lead to a higher/lower resistance and create a higher/lower amount of heat? From prior research I have learned that a lower wire diameter means higher resistance (which makes sense), but how do the other specifications (i.e % open area, mesh opening size, thickness) affect the resistance of the wire mesh? Thanks.
 
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