Alternating and Transient Conduction Currents in Straight Conductors of any Cross-section†

Abstract

Hitherto the only method available for analysing current flow in conductors of large cross section for the transmission of electrical power has been that of quasi-stationary field theory, ns first developed by liayleigh. It provides rigorous solutions for conductors that are circular, straight and of great length. The problem has been re-examined with coupled circuit theory which was originally devised for the design of electromagnetic tests. Et proves to be suitable for the quantitative and qualitative study of finite length conductors of any cross-sectional shape. There is every prospect that it can be extended to non-straight conductors. Taking a rectangular busbar as an example, it is shown how numerical solutions of current distribution, energy dissipation and storage, conductance and susceptance may be obtained with the aid of computers. Also demonstrated is the use of normalized inductance coefficients for predicting the effect of changes in conductivity and size from measurements on a single conductor with various excitations.