Solving the Laplace Equation for a Capacitor Setup

In summary, the problem at hand involves a capacitor with two parallel circular disc electrodes of radius R, placed a distance 2H apart and charged to potentials +U and -U. The potential distribution is to be solved using the Laplace Equation in cylindrical coordinate system, with boundary conditions at the electrodes and a metal cylinder near them. The boundary conditions involve specifying the potential and its derivatives at different points. The questioner is seeking help to confirm if the given boundary conditions are correct.
  • #1
hectoryx
15
0

Homework Statement




The capacitor is assumed to consist of two parallel circular disc electrodes of radius R. The electrodes are of infinite small thickness, placed a distance 2H apart, and are equally and oppositely charged to potentials +U and -U. A metal cylinder is placed near the two electrodes and the position relationship can be found in the following picture:

http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af335/hectoryx/professional/1.jpg


Homework Equations



To solve the potential distribution in this situation, the Laplace Equation in cylindrical coordinate system is:

[tex]\[{\nabla ^2}\phi = \frac{1}{r}\frac{{\partial \phi }}{{\partial r}} + \frac{{{\partial ^2}\phi }}{{\partial {r^2}}} + \frac{{{\partial ^2}\phi }}{{\partial {z^2}}} = 0\][/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I am not sure about its boundary condition:

[tex]\[\left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}
{\phi = + {\rm{U}},\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}
{} & {{\rm{z}} = {\rm{H}}} \\
\end{array},0 \le r \le {\rm{R }}} \\
{\phi = - {\rm{U}},\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}
{} & {{\rm{z}} = - {\rm{H}}} \\
\end{array},0 \le r \le {\rm{R}}} \\
\end{array}} \right.\][/tex]

and

[tex]\[\begin{array}{l}
\phi = {\phi _c},\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}
{} & {{\rm{H}} + {\rm{d}} \le {\rm{z}} \le {\rm{H}}} \\
\end{array} + {\rm{d}} + {\rm{L}},0 \le r \le {\rm{R}} \\
\frac{{\partial \phi }}{{\partial z}} = {\sigma _1},\frac{{\partial \phi }}{{\partial r}} = 0,\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}
{} & {{\rm{z}} = {\rm{H}} + {\rm{d}}} \\
\end{array},0 \le r \le {\rm{R}} \\
\frac{{\partial \phi }}{{\partial z}} = {\sigma _2},\frac{{\partial \phi }}{{\partial r}} = 0,\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}
{} & {{\rm{z}} = {\rm{H}} + {\rm{d}}} \\
\end{array} + {\rm{L}},0 \le r \le {\rm{R}} \\
\frac{{\partial \phi }}{{\partial z}} = 0,\frac{{\partial \phi }}{{\partial r}} = {\sigma _3},\begin{array}{*{20}{c}}
{} & {{\rm{H}} + {\rm{d}} \le {\rm{z}} \le {\rm{H}}} \\
\end{array} + {\rm{d}} + {\rm{L}},r = {\rm{R}} \\
\end{array}\]
[/tex]


Could anyone give me some help and tell me that whether the boundary conditions above are right?

Thanks very much!

Best Regards.

Hector
 
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  • #2


chould anyone help me please? Really thanks!
 

1. What is the Laplace equation and how does it relate to capacitors?

The Laplace equation is a partial differential equation that describes the distribution of electric potential in a given region. In the case of capacitors, the Laplace equation is used to determine the electric potential between the plates of a capacitor setup.

2. How is the Laplace equation solved for a capacitor setup?

The Laplace equation can be solved using various mathematical methods, such as separation of variables, superposition, and Fourier series. These methods involve breaking down the equation into simpler equations and solving them step by step.

3. What are the boundary conditions for solving the Laplace equation for a capacitor setup?

The boundary conditions for a capacitor setup include the potential at each plate of the capacitor, the distance between the plates, and the dielectric constant of the material between the plates. These conditions must be known in order to solve the Laplace equation accurately.

4. How does the solution of the Laplace equation for a capacitor setup affect the electric field between the plates?

The solution of the Laplace equation for a capacitor setup determines the electric potential between the plates, and from this, the electric field can be calculated using the equation E = -∇V, where E is the electric field and V is the electric potential. The electric field between the plates of a capacitor is directly proportional to the potential difference between the plates.

5. What are some real-world applications of solving the Laplace equation for a capacitor setup?

The Laplace equation for a capacitor setup has many practical applications, such as in designing electrical circuits, calculating the capacitance and charge storage of a capacitor, and analyzing the behavior of capacitors in complex systems. It is also used in the development of electronic devices, such as capacitive touch screens and sensors.

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