skin effect
Definition
Noun: - The tendency of high-frequency alternating current to distribute near the surface of a conductor: A phenomenon in electromagnetism where, as the frequency of an alternating electric current increases, the current flows primarily at the outer surface ("skin") of a conductor, reducing the effective cross-sectional area and increasing its effective resistance.
Usage
The term is used primarily in physics and electrical engineering to describe a specific behavior of conductors in AC (alternating current) circuits.
- The skin effect becomes significant at radio frequencies, requiring special design considerations for conductors.
- Engineers must account for the skin effect when designing high-frequency transmission lines to minimize power loss.
Advanced Usage
- "Skin depth": A related concept describing the depth at which the current density has fallen to about 37% of its value at the surface. The skin effect is more pronounced as skin depth decreases.
- At 1 MHz, the skin depth in copper is very small, demonstrating a strong skin effect.
Variants and Related Words
- Skin depth (n): A measure directly related to the skin effect, quantifying the penetration of current into a conductor.
- Proximity effect (n): A related phenomenon where the skin effect is influenced by the magnetic fields of nearby conductors.
Synonyms
- Surface conduction (n): A descriptive synonym emphasizing the current flow at the surface.
- AC resistance increase (n): A functional synonym describing one consequence of the skin effect.
Related Phrases
- To be subject to the skin effect: Describes a conductor or circuit where this phenomenon occurs.
- Thick copper wires can still be subject to the skin effect at very high frequencies.
- Mitigate the skin effect: To take design actions to reduce its impact.
- Using litz wire is a common way to mitigate the skin effect in inductors.
Noun
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the tendency of high-frequency alternating current to distribute near the surface of a conductor
