Input file command line for electric potential

[murdoc82]

I am doing a FEA using ABAQUS on a model that similar to a parallel-plate capacitor. It consists of top and bottom plate with a dieletric material in between the plates. What I would like to do is to apply electric potential between the two plates and see the reaction of the dielectric material in the middle. I'm completely new to ABAQUS, and I can't find any way to specify the electric potential load using ABAQUS/CAE. I hope someone with the knowledge can help/guide me, either using CAE or command line in input file.

[Jorgen]

Hmm, interesting question. I don't typically run simulations like that and my suspicion is that it cannot be done in ABAQUS :confused:

Does anyone else know for sure?

[murdoc82]

Hmm, interesting question. I don't typically run simulations like that and my suspicion is that it cannot be done in ABAQUS :confused:

Does anyone else know for sure?

Thank you for your reply. Since I am a newbie to ABAQUS, I have no clue whether it has been done before, or whether it is even possible in the first place. I am just following what my supervisor has told me to try and do. What I have done so far is to specify the element of the electrode to be C3D20E which is piezoelectric element I believe. "Piezoelectric analysis" Section 6.6.3 of the ABAQUS v6.5-1 Analysis User Manual states

"Electrical charge is the conjugate to electric potential at a node"

I think for element type C3D20E, the degree of freedom 9 is for electric potential. There is this input file command *DSECHARGE for electrical load, but the units is Coulomb per meter square. I am looking for electric potential units in Volts.

I have been stuck for quite a while now. Any helps is greatly appreciated.

[Jorgen]

Hmm, interesting, I have not done that type of simulation recently...

It sounds like it is actually possible :)
I recommend that you read the manuals and try to locate an appropriate example problem from the Example Problems Manual.

Best of luck!