CFD-ACE+ solves the Poisson's equation or conduction equation for the electric potential. Two different techniques are available for solving Poisson's equation: Finite-Volume Method (FVM) and Boundary Element Method (BEM). The salient features of the Electric Module include:

• Steady state, transient (time domain), and frequency domain formulations;
• Arbitrary specification of material properties;
• Efficient use of FVM and BEM field solvers;
• Multi-pole accelerated BEM solver.

Some of the common uses of the Electric Module are:

• Capacitance of metal/dielectric structures;
• Electrostatic loading of mechanical structures (MEMS);
• Joule heating;
• Electric field distribution in electrokinetic and electro-fluidic systems;
• Current density as a source for a magnetic field calculation (by Magnetic Module);
• Electric fields due to distribution of space charge and equipotential contacts.

The CFD-ACE+ Electric Module has been validated and is coupled with other CFD-ACE+ physical models to provide true multiphysics solutions to very complex problems.

Application Examples

• Biotechnology
• Nano/Micro Electronics