DC conduction analysis overview

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DC conduction analysis is used to analyze variety of conductive systems. Generally the quantities of interest in DC conduction analysis are voltages, current densities, electric power losses (Joule heat).

QuickField can perform linear DC conduction analysis for 2D models (plane or axisymmetrical) and 3D models. The program is based on Poisson's equation. Following options are available for DC conduction analysis:

• Material properties: orthotropic materials with constant electrical conductivity.
  Electrical conductivity can depend on temperature. The dependency of conductivity on temperature is given in tabular form using the curve editor. The temperature can be specified separately for each block by a number or a formula of coordinates.

• Loading sources: voltages, electric current density.

• Boundary conditions: prescribed potential values (voltages), prescribed values for normal derivatives (surface current densities), and prescribed constraints for constant potential boundaries.

• Postprocessing results: voltages, current densities, electric fields, electric current through a surface, and power losses.

• Special features: a postprocessing calculator is available for evaluating user-defined integrals on given curves and surfaces. The electric power losses can be used as heat sources for thermal analysis (electro-thermal coupling).

• 3D analysis limitations: current QuickField version does not support anisotropic materials, temperature-dependent conductivity and coupled problems in 3D DC Conduction analysis.

Related Topics
DC conduction formulations in Theoretical Description
3D DC conduction formulations in Theoretical Description
DC conduction examples