Use of hydrodynamic theory to estimate electrical current redistribution in metals

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.