Current distortion effects and linear magnetoresistance of inclusions in free-electron metals

Abstract
Exact calculations are given for the magnetic field dependence of the current density near nonconducting spherical and cylindrical inclusions in a free-electron conductor. Some specific results are given in the form of computer-generated drawings of the electric current lines near the inclusions. The magnetoresistance induced by the inclusions is found to be linear in strong magnetic fields with a slope approximately equal to the volume fraction of inclusions. The applicability of the results to the linear magnetoresistance of potassium is discussed.