Defining Anisotropic Conductivity Tensors
Electric conductivity can be simple or anisotropic. In either case, the corresponding values are entered in S/m (Siemens per meter).
If the material property is anisotropic, its characteristics are defined by its anisotropy tensor. You must define three diagonals for anisotropic conductivity. Each diagonal represents a tensor of your model along an axis.
These tensors are relative to the coordinate system specified as the object’s Orientation property. By specifying different orientations, several objects can share the same anisotropic material but be oriented differently.
- In the Bulk Conductivity row in the View/Edit Material window, select Anisotropic from the Type drop-down menu.
- Enter the conductivity along one axis of the material’s conductivity tensor in the Value box of the T(1,1) row.
- Enter the conductivity along the second axis in the Value box of the T(2,2) row.
- Enter the conductivity along the third axis in the Value box of the T(3,3) row.
Three rows named T(1,1), T(2,2) and T(3,3) are added below the Bulk Conductivity row.
The values of the conductivity along the first and second axis apply to all axes that lie in the xy cross-section being modeled. The values of the conductivity along the third axis applies to the z-component. These values affect current flowing in dielectrics between the conductors.
These values can also be defined as variables.
Related Topics
Creating a Relative Coordinate System
Change the Orientation of an object
Bulk Conductivity for a Maxwell Material
Defining Anisotropic Relative Permeability Tensors
Defining Anisotropic Relative Permittivity Tensors