Spreading resistance calculations by the variational method

Abstract

In this paper the variational principle is applied to the calculations of spreading resistance for both homogeneous and inhomogeneous slabs on a perfectly conducting substrate, using a linear combination of two types of source flux distributions, namely, a uniform flux distribution and the classical form of the distribution for the infinitely thick slab. It is found that, as a rule, a linear combination of these two source distributions yields values of correction factors which agree much more closely with those derived from the exact constant potential approach than any given by previous approximate methods based on either of the source distributions. The variational method is not only accurate but also computationally efficient, being only a factor of three slower than any of the earlier approximate methods. © 1981.