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Use of hydrodynamic theory to estimate electrical current redistribution in metals.
- 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]
- Subjects :
- SURFACE finishing
SURFACE roughness
METALS
Subjects
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