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Use of hydrodynamic theory to estimate electrical current redistribution in metals.

Authors :
Yu, E. P.
Awe, T. J.
Cochrane, K. R.
Yates, K. C.
Hutchinson, T. M.
Peterson, K. J.
Bauer, B. S.
Source :
Physics of Plasmas; May2020, Vol. 27 Issue 5, p1-10, 10p, 1 Diagram, 6 Graphs
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Using the analogy between hydrodynamic and electrical current flow, we study how electrical current density j redistributes and amplifies due to two commonly encountered inhomogeneities in metals. First, we consider flow around a spherical resistive inclusion and find significant j amplification, independent of inclusion size. Hence, even μm-scale inclusions can affect performance in applications by creating localized regions of enhanced Joule heating. Next, we investigate j redistribution due to surface roughness, idealized as a sinusoidal perturbation with amplitude A and wavelength λ. Theory predicts that j amplification is determined by the ratio A / λ , so that even "smooth" surface finishes (i.e., small A) can generate significant amplification, if λ is correspondingly small. We compare theory with magnetohydrodynamic simulation to illustrate both the utility and limitations of the steady-state theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1070664X
Volume :
27
Issue :
5
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Physics of Plasmas
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
143545855
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5143271