Two optimized novel potential formulas and numerical algorithms for $$m\times n$$ m × n cobweb and fan resistor networks

Abstract The research of resistive network will become the basis of many fields. At present, many exact potential formulas of some complex resistor networks have been obtained. Computer numerical simulation is the trend of computing, but written calculation will limit the time and scale. In this paper, the potential formulas of a $$m\times n$$ m × n scale cobweb resistor network and fan resistor network are optimized. Chebyshev polynomial of the second class and the absolute value function are used to express the novel potential formulas of the resistor network, and described in detail the derivation process of the explicit formula. Considering the influence of parameters on the potential formulas, several idiosyncratic potential formulas are proposed, and the corresponding three-dimensional dynamic images are drawn. Two numerical algorithms of the computing potential are presented by using the mathematical model and DST-VI. Finally, the efficiency of calculating potential by different methods are compared. The advantages of new potential formulas and numerical algorithms by the calculation efficiency of the three methods are shown. The optimized potential formulas and the presented numerical algorithms provide a powerful tool for the field of science and engineering.