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Electrostatic Potential

In one sentence: Prescribe the electric potential (voltage) on a boundary — the electromagnetic equivalent of a temperature constraint.


Overview

Workbench: FEM
Menu: FEM → Model → Electromagnetic BCs → Electrostatic Potential

Prescribes the electric potential (voltage, in volts) on a face, edge, or vertex. Used with the Elmer Electrostatic Equation or Magnetodynamic Equation.


Parameters

Parameter Description
Potential Electric potential (V)
References Face, edge, or vertex
Potential is constant Fix to the same potential regardless of current

Common uses

  • Anode: Set the positive electrode to the supply voltage (e.g. 100 V).
  • Cathode / ground: Set the negative electrode to 0 V.
  • Floating conductor at known potential: Set to a fixed voltage.

Common mistakes and pitfalls

Requires the correct Elmer equation

Electrostatic Potential does nothing without the matching Elmer equation (Electrostatic or Magnetodynamic). Add the equation to the analysis.


Python API

import ObjectsFem
doc = App.ActiveDocument
analysis = doc.getObject("Analysis")

pot = ObjectsFem.makeConstraintElectrostaticPotential(doc, "Anode")
pot.Potential = 100.0
pot.References = [(doc.getObject("Body"), "Face2")]
analysis.addObject(pot)
doc.recompute()

See also