The design of rack plating systems

Summary

Computer modelling, using numerical methods, is applied to design the overall cathode shape for a rack plating system where the desired current density, over the surface of the rack, is specified. A design approach, based upon a shape describing function, is shown to be less attractive than a new method whereby the potential gradient over the cathode surface is specified.

Using the principle of superposition, an overall design strategy, using macroscopic and local two dimensional models, is proposed.