The Impressed Current Surface node defines an active anode, defined at a boundary, in an impressed current cathodic system (ICCP).
By the use of an electrolyte potential constraint, the node adds a current source at the boundary, so that the potential difference between a sense
ϕs, sense (V) and a reference
ϕs, ref (V) potential equals the defined
Control potential Eimpr (V).
ϕs, sense and
ϕs, ref should be defined elsewhere in the model, typically by a
Connection Point node.
The active anode of an ICCP system needs to be electrically coupled to the electrode phase of the protected structure in some way in order to close the current loop. To add the corresponding total anode current to the electrode phase of the protected structure, enable
Add electrode phase current contribution and specify the (global) electrode potential degree of freedom for the structure. Select
Sense potential to add the contribution to the same variable as specified for
ϕs, sense.
The node is exclusive and is applicable to external boundaries to Electrolyte domains. The node is active if
Enable Cathodic Protection Features check box is enabled at the interface node.