A two-dimensional numerical model that simulates the electromagnetic behaviour of silver-sheathed high-T-c superconducting (HTS) tapes carrying AC currents is presented. The model configures the HTS tape its it non-linear conductor whose effective conductivity is it function of the electric field and current density as described by a power-law E-J characteristic. The model has been used to investigate a number of cases for it HTS tape carrying current of various values. Field profiles in the interior of the tape are presented and analysed with reference to the critical state model and the flux creep Ho in HTS materials. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.