Mathematical simulation of a cathodic protection system by finite element method

A computer program was developed, to solve the numerical system generated by the variational formulation obtained by the Laplace bidimensional equation in rectangular coordinates at boundary conditions, Newman's type. The finite element method (FEM) was used to solve the numerical system. Compact support functions were used to simulate inert electrodes under an external current, this support was equal to the electrodes diameter. The validation of the model was corroborated when the results obtained by modeling were very similar to those given by experimentation. Three aspects of interest about cathodic protection were simulated; • Electrodes distribution in the system. • Low conductivity irregularities in the electrolyte. • Different resistivities in the electrolyte.