The propagation of radio frequency currents along a wire of finite length

In the above paper it is pointed out that before we may use the usual wave equation for the propagation of current along a straight wire in free space it is necessary that (a) the inductance L and capacity C per unit length of the wire are independent of the current distribution and (b) that the product LC = 1/c2. This has been shown to be the case. The inductance and capacity of an element of a conductor are defined generally in the way suggested by Moullin and it is shown that the radiation resistance term, which is a function of the current distribution, is small compared with the corresponding terms involving inductance and capacity. The usual wave equation is derived from Maxwell's equations for the case of a tubular conductor in which the current is a function of the distance z along the conductor only. If the curl of the current is not equal to zero this will not represent the true state of affairs. It is pointed out in the earlier part of the paper that a complete solution of the problem, taking into account the radiation resistance, and the skin effect, involves the solution of an integral equation which is given. The field about a tubular current, with a current distribution J0 sin kz along it, is examined. It is found that, for a long wire, the electric force is perpendicular to the surface at every point since we neglect the contribution from the ends. The magnetic force is in circles about the axis as would be expected. A small component parallel to the current, and in phase with it, is introduced by the charges upon the ends of the tubular conductor, and this component determines the radiation resistance. From this it follows that the radiation resistance could be increased by placing a capacity on the ends—thus increasing the charges there.