Menu

Discussion Forum

New Discussion
Filtern

Note: This discussion is about an older version of the COMSOL Multiphysics® software. The information provided may be out of date.

Discussion Closed This discussion was created more than 6 months ago and has been closed. To start a new discussion with a link back to this one, click here.

Is an insulator boundary same as a floating potential boundary?

Posted 02.09.2016, 21:07 GMT-4 Electromagnetics, Low-Frequency Electromagnetics, Geometry, Modeling Tools & Definitions Version 4.3 2 Replies

Linahtadiya Andiani
Send Private Message Flag post as spam

Please login with a confirmed email address before reporting spam

Hi,
I'm a beginner. And i want to create a simulation of electric field distribution. I am using a method of parallel plates. One of plates is an insulator boundary. But in the boundary menu, there is no an insulator boundary. I am trying to use a floating potential boundary because i think it same as an insulator boundary. Is my opinion true or false?

Thank you
2 Replies Last Post 05.09.2016, 21:26 GMT-4
Robert Koslover Certified Consultant
Send Private Message Flag post as spam

Please login with a confirmed email address before reporting spam

Posted: 8 years ago 03.09.2016, 10:53 GMT-4
A floating potential boundary is also an equipotential. This means that the electric field must have no tangential component on that boundary. Electrical insulation does not impose that constraint, per se. However, if it is your intention to prepare an electrostatic model an electric conductor that is immersed in an insulating medium (such as might be the case in some capacitor problems), then it may be appropriate to assign that conductor a floating potential.

Another note: Sometimes, the best way to compare/choose from among the different boundary conditions is to look at the actual equations used by Comsol for the boundary conditions offered. These equations are not always obvious based on the names alone.
A floating potential boundary is also an equipotential. This means that the electric field must have no tangential component on that boundary. Electrical insulation does not impose that constraint, per se. However, if it is your intention to prepare an electrostatic model an electric conductor that is immersed in an insulating medium (such as might be the case in some capacitor problems), then it may be appropriate to assign that conductor a floating potential. Another note: Sometimes, the best way to compare/choose from among the different boundary conditions is to look at the actual equations used by Comsol for the boundary conditions offered. These equations are not always obvious based on the names alone.
Linahtadiya Andiani
Send Private Message Flag post as spam

Please login with a confirmed email address before reporting spam

Posted: 8 years ago 05.09.2016, 21:26 GMT-4
Thank you, Mr. Robert Koslover

Your reply had solved my problem. Now, I know the meaning of a floating potential.
Thank you, Mr. Robert Koslover Your reply had solved my problem. Now, I know the meaning of a floating potential.

Note that while COMSOL employees may participate in the discussion forum, COMSOL® software users who are on-subscription should submit their questions via the Support Center for a more comprehensive response from the Technical Support team.

Suggested Content