Computation of Potential at Surface Above an Energized Grid or Other Electrode, Allowing for Non-Uniform Current Distribution

Equations presented in most papers on the computation of voltages at the surface of the earth near a buried energized electrode grid of bare wires are based on the assumption that leakage current density is the same at all points along the wire grid. This paper presents a method for allowing for the effects of variation of leakage current density caused by the proximity of parallel conductors, cross conductors, angled conductors, and end effects. Examples are presented showing the effect of the non-uniform leakage in some cases. The method given herein also can be used to compute surface voltages in the vicinity of electrodes composed of wires oriented at arbitrary angles, such as combinations of stars and polygons, and the resistance to ground of such electrodes.