The Electric Potential node provides an electric potential V0 as the boundary condition V = V0.

Because the electric potential is being solved for in the physics interface, the value of the potential is typically defined at some part of the geometry. For some physics interfaces, also select additional Electric Potential nodes from the Edges (3D components) or Points (2D and 3D components) submenus. For 2D axisymmetric components, it can be applied on the symmetry axis.

Enter the value or expression for the Electric potential V0 (SI unit: V). The default is 0 V.

Select the Circuit type — None (the default), Series RC circuit, Ballast resistor, or Blocking capacitor. If None is selected, no external circuit is added.

If Series RC circuit is selected, enter a value or expression for the Ballast resistor Rb (SI unit: Ω) and Blocking capacitance Cb (SI unit: F). The defaults are 1000 Ω and 1 pF, respectively. This option is typically used for metallic electrodes in DC discharges. The presence of the external circuit prevents the discharge from arcing. If arcing begins to occur, the solver tends to fail and the ballast resistor value should be increased. The presence of the blocking capacitor also helps when solving by ramping up the applied potential from zero over a finite period of time.

If Ballast resistor is selected, enter a value or expression for the Ballast resistor Rb (SI unit: Ω). The default is 1000 Ω. The presence of the ballast resistor reduces the likelihood that the discharge arcs. However, it is recommended that the Series RC circuit be chosen in preference to this one.

If Blocking capacitor is selected, enter a value or expression for the Blocking capacitance Cb (SI unit: F). The default is 1 pF. For 1D components, enter a value for the Electrode surface area As (SI unit: m2). The default is 0.01 m2. This value is used to compute the total amount of electrical current flowing into the electrode due to the time-varying displacement field and flow of charged particles. This option is typically used when modeling capacitively coupled plasmas, since these typically operate with a blocking capacitor between the power supply and the electrodes.

To display this section, click the Show More Options button () and select Advanced Physics Options in the Show More Options dialog box.