The computation of electrostatic fields and space charge effects

Discusses the use of the finite element method (FEM) in solving electrostatic field problems. The standard procedure for applying the FEM is to start from Maxwell´s equations along with Gauss´s theorem. The governing equation for electrostatic field problems can be solved using the FEM when the charge density is a known quantity. Of significant interest has been the case when the charge density is not known ahead of time, and is due to currents being produced from the surface of electrodes. These currents are also affected by the presence of other charges emanating from the electrodes, such that a very complex situation arises in which the space charges have to be computed, including the electric fields they produce