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Bent copper wire resistance - QuickField simulation example

Electrical resistance of a bent copper wire, evaluating how the bend changes current distribution and resistance compared with a straight conductor..

Engineering question

How to calculate the resistance of the bent copper wire?

Answer
Apply a known current in a 3D DC-conduction model, calculate the voltage drop, and obtain the wire resistance as R = V/I.

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Typical applications
flexible conductors, cable harness wiring, bent wire interconnects

Bent copper wire electrical resistance

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Simulation problem

Problem Type
3D problem of DC conduction.

Geometry
Bent copper wire resistance Electrical resistance of a bent copper wire, evaluating how the bend changes current distribution and resistance compared with a straight conductor.. Current Copper wire 30 mm Ø 10 mm R 5 mm

Given
Copper electric conductivity σ = 56 MS/m.
Current I = 100 A.

Task
Determine the resistance of the bent copper wire.

Solution
The resistance R is equal to the ratio of voltage drop V to the current I
R = V / I [Ohm]
We apply normal current density jn = I / A (where A is a wire cross-section area) at current terminal and zero potential at ground terminal. DC conduction simulation yields the current terminal electric potential V.

Result
Electric potential and current distribution in a wire:
Bent copper wire electric current simulation

Current terminal electric potential V = 0.00168 [V].
Resistance R = 0.00168 / 100 = 16.8 [uOhm].

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