Analysis of the temperature field near a corner composed of dissimilar metals subjected to a current flow

The 2D electro-thermal problem near a corner composed of two dissimilar materials in an angled metal line is analyzed. The line is assumed to be of uniform width and subjected to a steady direct current flow. We show the development work leading to the formulation of the current density and temperature distributions. The parameters affecting the singularities concerning the electro-thermal problem are also discussed. The electrical potential and current density distributions near a corner in an arbitrary angled line are determined, and the temperature field in a point symmetric line which is commonly met in metal interconnection structures is analyzed. In addition, we show that the temperature field solution is also valid for a symmetric line and a right angled line. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.