Variable capacitor - QuickField simulation example
Variable air capacitor consists of fixed stator plates and movable rotor. Capacitance between the stator plates depends on the position of the rotor.
How to find capacitance versus rotor position in variable air capacitor?
Answer Typical applications Geometry 3D extrusion.
Given
Task
Solution
ResultsEngineering question
Set up a 3D QuickField Electrostatics problem for a variable air capacitor and evaluate capacitance versus rotor position from computed field results.
variable air capacitors, tuning capacitors, rotor-stator plate capacitors
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Simulation problem
Problem Type electrostatics.
Relative permittivity of air ε = 1,
Potential difference ΔU = 1000 V
Find the mutual capacitance between two stators as a function of the rotor position.
QuickField simulation gives energy W and electric potential U distribution. The capacitance then can be calculated as C = 2W / ΔU².
Rotating angle α
Energy W
Capacitance C
0°
1.29 uJ
2.58 pC
30°
2.25 uJ
4.50 pC
60°
2.97 uJ
5.94 pC
90°
3.22 uJ
6.44 pC
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