Modal network theory of skin effect in flat conductors

Abstract

A new theory of skin effect in linear conductors of arbitrary cross-sectional shape is proposed and illustrated by calculating the ac resistance of a flat conductor. The current flowing in any conductor may be decomposed into an infinite set of normal mode currents, all of which exist independently of each other. Each modal current may be calculated from the conductor terminal conditions by simple circuit theory. Use of this method presupposes knowledge of the normal modes, which are different for every cross-sectional shape. A general method of finding the normal modes is given. Excellent agreement with experimental data is reported.