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 exterior boundaries to Electrolyte domains. The node is active if Enable Cathodic Protection Features checkbox is enabled at the interface node.

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