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Capacitance calculated doesn't match expectation

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Hi,

Question: Capacitance calculated doesn't match expectation

I am evaluating the comsol model for the parallel plate capacitance which i downloaded from here (www.comsol.co.in/community/exchange/140/)

I find discrepancy in the computed capacitance by COMSOl and the calculated value (hand calculated using basic parallel plate capacitance equation).

COMSOL gives a capacitance value as 39.95pF. But when i hand calculate using the equation AEoEr/d, i get around 26pF. I have taken Er=1, d=1mm, A=3mm*1meter (Assuming the depth of the geometry is 1m). I have read somewhere that COMSOL takes depth of the geometry in 2D simulations as 1m.




3 Replies Last Post 2017年2月7日 GMT-5 10:25
Jeff Hiller COMSOL Employee

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Posted: 8 years ago 2017年2月3日 GMT-5 08:32
The formula you cite is for infinite parallel plates. If the gap is not extremely small compared to the width of the plates, that formula gives a poor approximation because it does not capture what happens at the edges. This is precisely why you have to perform numerical simulations: your COMSOL model does not make such simplifications.
Jeff
The formula you cite is for infinite parallel plates. If the gap is not extremely small compared to the width of the plates, that formula gives a poor approximation because it does not capture what happens at the edges. This is precisely why you have to perform numerical simulations: your COMSOL model does not make such simplifications. Jeff

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Posted: 8 years ago 2017年2月6日 GMT-5 23:55
Got it thanks for the reply.

Just for confirmation, in 2D simulations depth is taken as 1meter right ? I mean, the capacitance value reported by tool is F/meter right ?
Got it thanks for the reply. Just for confirmation, in 2D simulations depth is taken as 1meter right ? I mean, the capacitance value reported by tool is F/meter right ?

Jeff Hiller COMSOL Employee

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Posted: 8 years ago 2017年2月7日 GMT-5 10:25
The out-of-plane thickness is set on the top node of the Electrostatics branch in the Model Builder. By default, I believe that it is set at 1[m], but please check how it is set in your model.
Best,
Jeff
The out-of-plane thickness is set on the top node of the Electrostatics branch in the Model Builder. By default, I believe that it is set at 1[m], but please check how it is set in your model. Best, Jeff

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