3D interface elements for modelling complex potential drops. Comparison with a boundary elements method

Voltage drops due to complex surface impedance and/or surface current sources are modelled by a 3D finite elements method. Two specific formulations are given with these special 3D curvilinear second order elements: conduction in a low frequency marine electrometer and thermoelectric Seebeck effect on a solidification front. Simultaneous normal and tangential interfacial discontinuities can be computed. The method is validated by comparison with a boundary elements method and experimental values.<>