Summary

Traditionally, SUFCUR (surface inflow current source) has been defined on symmetric Bn=0 surfaces, but it can be defined otherwise by combining it with a gap element.

Explanation

As an example, the model used in “Surface Current Source in a Closed Loop (SUFCUR)”, with the SUFCUR position changed, is shown in Fig. 1, where a gap element is also defined on top of the face element defining the SUFCUR. As you can see by comparing Fig. 1 with Fig. 1 of “Surface Current Source in a Closed Loop (SUFCUR)”, the results are exactly the same.

Fig.1 Current distribution when SUFCUR is placed in asymmetric position

Next, we show the case where SUFCUR is used with periodic boundary conditions. The model above is divided into four parts, as shown in Fig. 2. In this case, too, it is necessary to define a gap element superimposed on SUFCUR. Gap elements should be defined in the direction toward the volume elements. The results of the calculation using 90-degree rotational symmetry are shown in Fig. 3 and are exactly the same as in Fig. 1.

Fig.2 Mesh model where SUFCUR is used on periodic boundaries

Fig.3 Current distribution in case of SUFCUR at periodic boundaries