Cylindrical capacitor
QuickField simulation example
Capacitor consists of two coaxial cylindrical collinear electrodes. It may be simulated as 2D axisymmetric or 3D extrusion problem. Both approaches give same result and good correlation with analytical solution.
Problem Type
2D axisymmetric/3D extrusion electrostatics.
Geometry
a = 5 mm, b = 6 mm, L = 40 mm.
Given
Relative permittivity of media ε = 2,
Voltage difference ΔU = 1 V.
Task
Find the capacitance of cylindrical capacitor.
Solution
Analytical solution gives the capacitance value of ideal cylindrical capacitor (without end effects) as
C = 2πεε0 * L / ln(a/b) [F]. *
QuickField simulation gives energy W and electric potential U distribution. The capacitance then can be calculated as C = 2W / ΔU².
Results
Analytical solution (cylindrical capacitor without end effects):
C = 2*3.142*2*8.854e-12 * 0.04 / ln(0.006/0.005) = 0.4451e-11 / 0.1823 = 2.44e-11 F.
| Energy W | Capacitance C | |
|---|---|---|
| 2D axisymmetrical simulation | 1.24 pJ | 2.48 pF |
| 3D extrusion simulation | 1.25 pJ | 2.50 pF |
- Video: Cylindrical capacitor. Watch on YouTube
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