How to calculate size of metal plate for a specified current?

So I'm looking at running a plate from the terminal of a battery (26650) and I'm trying to calculate the width of the plate needed given a certain thickness and length as well as a specified current. I have the resistivities of various metals (in order to calculate the best option (price and size of plate) but I'm not sure how to proceed/ what equation I could use. If someone could link me to a webpage with information that would be amazing! Itachi

• What on earth does "running a plate" mean? I'm guessing some sort of heating device, but you'll have to be a lot more specific about what your requirements are. – Dave Tweed Mar 6 '18 at 16:54
• How much cooling air flow will you provide? – analogsystemsrf Mar 6 '18 at 17:27
• @DaveTweed I meant something like this imgur.com/k9o2hl4 – tauhtauhsauce Mar 6 '18 at 19:55

I am going to assume you mean something like a busbar or solid metal conductor with a rectangular cross-section.

1. You know $\rho$ and its units are Ω⋅m (ohm-metre).

2. If you divide that by the cross-sectional area of your conductor you will have $\frac {Ω \cdot m}{m^2} = \mathrm {Ω/m}$ which is the resistance per metre of your conductor.

3. If you multiply the figure obtained in 2 by the length of the conductor you will get $\frac {\Omega}{m} \cdot m = \Omega$, the resistance of the conductor.

4. From $V = IR$, using R calculated in 3, you can calculate the voltage drop along the conductor for a given current, $I$.

5. From $P = I^2R$ you can calculate the power in watts (W) dissipated in the conductor.

Amazing?