Electromagnetic Fields Generated by Overhead and Buried Short Conductors Part 1 - Single Conductor

Abstract

The fundamental concepts and analytical development related to the low frequency electromagnetic fields generated by a single current-carrying conductor immersed in a medium of infinite extent and in a conducting half-space are described and discussed. It is shown that vertical conductors buried in earth are not detectable by above earth surface measurements of magnetic fields. Examples and numerical results involvinq energization of typical intact and broken single conductors are then described and commented on. It is shown that earth surface potentials and above earth magnetic fields are significantly distorted by a break in horizontal and oblique conductors. Finally, experimental measurements on a model with considerable heterogeneities confirm the significant influence of conductor discontinuities on the potential and magnetic field profiles.