Evaluation of Simple Models for the Resistance of Solid and Wire-Frame Electrodes

A single, simplified, and general model for the resistance of solid or wire-frame electrodes offers insight into the performance improvements that can be expected when additional electrode components are added in parallel. This model separates the geometric and contact resistance terms R_Geometric and R_Contact. For solid and wire-frame electrodes, R_Geometric depends on the geometric radius and the overall surface area. For solid electrodes, R_Contact =zero; however, for wire-frame approximations, it depends on the ratio of overall to wire surface area. The simple model incorporates the effects of depth of burial and wire radius to give remarkably good estimates of resistance, as compared to reference calculations, and can be used to identify weakness in many traditional expressions when used outside their conditions of derivation.