Odd Symmetry

An odd symmetry boundary models a structure in which the signs (positive or negative) of all currents, voltages, or charges on one side of a symmetry plane are the opposite of those on the other side. In magnetic field problems, the magnetic field is tangential to this type of boundary; while in electric field problems, the field is perpendicular to the boundary and equipotential lines are tangential to the boundary.

To define an odd symmetry boundary for magnetic field problems, the simulator sets the selected edge to a vector potential boundary with a magnetic vector potential of zero — acting as a magnetic mirror to the model. For electric field problems, the simulator sets the selected edge to a voltage of zero.

For instance, the plane of symmetry shown below is modeled by an odd symmetry boundary, since the direction of the current flow in the conductor on the left side of the symmetry plane is the opposite of the current flow in the conductor on the right side of the plane (the side that is modeled):