Inductance of Straight Wire Electrode Calculator
Instantly compute the self-inductance of a straight wire electrode using length, radius, and frequency. Fast, accurate results with clear inputs and exportable...
straight wire inductance calculator:
The calculator is a rough approximation of the self-inductance of an electrode in the form of a straight wire based on its physical characteristics and the conditions under which it is operated (i.e., it is a cylindrical conductor). Type in the length of the electrode and radius (or diameter) of the electrode, the distance of the return path (when present) and inductance is calculated in henrys using closed-form approximations (e.g., Wheeler/Greenhouse style corrections and logarithmic terms to compute inductance by long thin conductors, as well as more derived values such as inductance per unit length metre and reactance at a specified frequency. The results assist the engineers in the sizing of electrodes, approximating the frequency-based impedance, and predicting the effects of transient or EMI. Export numeric data or Paste it into the clipboard so that it can be documented and used again.
simple Inductance of Straight Wire Electrode Tools formula
Formula reference: L = K × [ ln(2·l / a)
− 0.75 ] — in physical mode K = μ₀·l/(2π) = 2×10⁻⁷·l (H). Output tuned to choose best units
automatically.
Notes: Physical mode uses μ₀ = 4π×10⁻⁷ H/m and sets K = μ₀·l /
(2π) = 2×10⁻⁷ × l (H). Formula
valid when l >> a and conductor is straight cylinder.
To compute the inductance of a straight wire electrode, provide the electrode's length 𝐿 and radius 𝑎, then use the standard long-wire approximation: \( L_{self} \approx \mu_{0}L(In\frac{2L}{a}-\frac{3}{2}) \) (with geometry correction terms as needed). The calculator automates this formula, applies edge and proximity corrections when a return conductor distance is given, and reports inductance (H), inductive reactance XL at the chosen frequency, and inductance per unit length — all displayed instantly for copy/export.
Work & Installation — Input to Output Summary
Work: Calculates self-inductance of a straight cylindrical electrode using analytic approximations and corrections for finite length and nearby return paths. Also converts results to inductance per length and computes reactance at user frequency.
Installation:
- Add the calculator HTML container and minimal CSS.
- Include the JavaScript module (single file) that implements formulas and input validation.
- Optionally bundle as a widget.
Input: Length (L), Radius or Diameter (a), Return path distance (d) — optional, Frequency (f) — optional, Units (mm/cm/m).
Output: Inductance (H), Inductance per meter (H/m), Reactance X_L = 2πfL (Ω), Notes on approximation & recommended correction factor, Copy / Export CSV.
Testing and Final Adjustments
Test the calculator in typical and extreme cases: very short electrodes (L a ), long thin electrodes (L a very large), without/with adjacent return conductors. Check numeric stability with analytic benchmarks (where available) (use the Wheeler or Rosa formula) and with a simple finite-element reference geometry(s) at least. Check unit conversions and frequency-dependent reactance. Insert input clamps and caution on geometries in which the approximation error could be more than about 10 percent (e.g., L/a less than 4). In the case of UX, math derivations as tools, unit switching, displaying the formula used and the intermediate values, CSV export, and copying to the clipboard. Stable: Going through the grammar, ARIA labels to make the webpage accessible, compress the products of the production, and test the webpage in desktop and mobile browsers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Inductance of Straight Wire Electrode Calculator:
What inputs are needed to calculate inductance of a straight wire electrode?
Length and radius (or diameter); optional return path distance and frequency for reactance.
What formula does the calculator use?
A long-wire approximation using μ0·L·(ln(2L/a)−3/2) with geometry corrections; return-path proximity terms added if provided.
When is the approximation inaccurate?
For very short rods where L is similar to a (L/a ≲ 4) or complex nearby conductors—use FEM for high accuracy.
How is reactance computed?
Reactance X_L = 2π·f·L (where f is frequency and L is inductance in henrys).
Can I get inductance per unit length?
Yes — the tool reports total inductance and divides by length to give H/m.
What units are supported?
Common metric units (mm, cm, m). The tool converts inputs automatically.
Is proximity to a ground plane handled?
Yes if you enter return path distance; the calculator applies a proximity correction term, otherwise results assume isolated conductor.
Can I export results?
Yes — copy to clipboard or export as CSV for documentation.
Is skin effect considered?
The static inductance is geometry-based; skin effect affects AC resistance and current distribution—reactance is provided, but frequency-dependent internal inductance is not modeled in detail.
How accurate is this calculator for engineering design?
Good for quick estimates and preliminary design; expect increasing error for extreme aspect ratios or complex geometries—use detailed simulation for final designs.
