Boundary condition for a charged surface

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on deriving boundary conditions for a charged interface between two electrically conducting fluids, specifically focusing on the continuity equation and its implications. The continuity equation, which expresses the conservation of electric charge, is highlighted as a fundamental principle rather than derived from simpler concepts. References to relevant literature include Landau & Lifgarbagez's "Electrodynamics of Continuous Media" and Penfield & Haus's work on moving media, though access to these texts is limited for some participants. The leaky dielectric model is identified as the relevant framework for this problem. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of the mathematical underpinnings of these boundary conditions.
hunt_mat
Homework Helper
Messages
1,816
Reaction score
33
Hi,

I am looking at a problem where I have two electrically conducting fluids where charge accrues on the interface, I know that one of the equations that I have to use comes straight from the usual boundary conditions for the normal component of the electric field, the other one apparent comes from integrating the continuity equation:
<br /> \frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t}+\nabla\cdot\mathbf{J}=0<br />

around a closed surface ending up with a covariant derivative, in all the papers I have seen the equation simply quoted and not derived, I am interested in it's derivation.

Can anyone suggest any papers or give be a few pointers?

Mat
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hello Mat,

the equation of continuity is a mathematical formulation of the experience that electric charges moves continuously in space, the total charge of isolated system of bodies is constant. It is not derived from anything simpler.

Maxwell used this law to argue that there should be new term \partial \mathbf D/\partial t in the equation stating the Ampere law.

The electromagnetism of continuous media is treated briefly in Landau&Lifgarbagez, Electrodynamics of continuous media, and there is also an important book

P. Penfield, H. A. Haus, Eletrodynamics of moving media, Cambridge, MIT, 1967

which I would like to get access to, but so far I didn't have luck.
 
I don't have access to these book either.
 
Anyone else care to comment? The equation I understand involves a covariant derivative.

I understand that the model in question is the leaky dielectric model.
 
Last edited:
I was using the Smith chart to determine the input impedance of a transmission line that has a reflection from the load. One can do this if one knows the characteristic impedance Zo, the degree of mismatch of the load ZL and the length of the transmission line in wavelengths. However, my question is: Consider the input impedance of a wave which appears back at the source after reflection from the load and has traveled for some fraction of a wavelength. The impedance of this wave as it...
Back
Top