Method of images for a charge inside a three- layer medium and implementation of a dirichlet null potential condition.

Abstract

Abstract: A process to apply the method of images for a charge located in a three-layer medium is presented. The images are found according to the boundary conditions between the layers for the electric field. The characteristics of the electric potential are also considered, thus the number of unknown variables become a guide to set the image charges needed to solve the problem. The results are compared with finite element simulations through the use of the software FEMM 4.2, showing good agreement. The found limitations of the process are also noted, mainly in regards to the dependence of the images on the coordinates where the field is to be calculated. The model obtained was applied to different cases, where it was seen that it was not limited to three material media only. Finally, the null potential boundary condition was ap-plied, showing how the method of images could be applied to this type of problems.