Abstract: In this paper we present an analysis of the response of the vortices in YBa2Cu3O7-delta to different configurations of applied driving forces. The use of inhomogeneous current allows us to induce vortex cutting. We determine the maximum current injected in different electrical contact distributions which preserves vortex integrity, and we show that vortex cutting cannot be explained by a single vortex picture. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.