Can a capacitor discharge as a result of being struck?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

A large dielectric capacitor can potentially discharge as a result of being struck, depending on the nature of the impact. The relationship between capacitance, charge, and voltage is defined by the equation capacitance = charge / voltage. A physical impact may temporarily alter the capacitance, potentially leading to a voltage increase if capacitance decreases. The extent of discharge is influenced by the type of impact—light taps are unlikely to have any effect, while significant impacts, such as punctures from a bullet, can lead to discharge based on the dielectric strength and the characteristics of the dielectric material used.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitance and its relationship to charge and voltage.
  • Knowledge of dielectric materials and their properties.
  • Familiarity with the concept of dielectric strength.
  • Basic principles of physical impacts and material deformation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of physical impacts on dielectric capacitors.
  • Learn about dielectric strength and its implications for capacitor safety.
  • Investigate the behavior of capacitors under different types of mechanical stress.
  • Explore the mathematical modeling of capacitance changes due to physical deformation.
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physicists, and anyone involved in the design or testing of capacitors and dielectric materials.

emrock
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
TL;DR
I am curious if a large capacitor on the verge of discharge could be put over the edge by physically hitting it.
I am curious if a large dielectric capacitor on the verge of discharge could be put over the edge by physically hitting it.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF.

Definition; capacitance = charge / voltage.
If the impact lowers the capacitance then the voltage must increase.

But I would expect an impact to reduce the dielectric thickness, which would increase the capacitance, so lower the voltage.

But it is possible that physical oscillation could rebound to lower capacitance momentarily.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: emrock and sophiecentaur
Depends on what you mean by "hitting it". A light tap, mighty hit with a large object or putting a bullet through.
!: light tap i would expect no effect. 2; Mighty hit would deform or puncture I would expect it to discharge in a fashion dependent on its size. 3: bullet(or metal rod puncture) would discharge as per previous.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: emrock
What do you mean by discharge? An arc through the dielectric? This has as much to do with dielectric strength (when abused?) as it has to do with capacitance. It will of course depend entirely on what sort of dielectric and what is done to it.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: emrock and berkeman

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
14K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K