Modeling a Capacitive Position Sensor Using FEM
Application ID: 47541
This tutorial model explains how to extract lumped matrices by means of the Stationary Source Sweep study. The capacitance matrix of a five-terminal system is used to infer the position of a metallic object similar to real-world capacitive position sensors.
The example illustrates the use of FEM, which is supported by the Electrostatics interface. When FEM is used, a volumetric mesh of a portion of the surrounding air is necessary.
The model also compares how the study’s performance is affected when using direct and iterative solvers.
This model example illustrates applications of this type that would nominally be built using the following products:
however, additional products may be required to completely define and model it. Furthermore, this example may also be defined and modeled using components from the following product combinations:
- COMSOL Multiphysics® and
- either the AC/DC Module, MEMS Module, Plasma Module, or Semiconductor Module
The combination of COMSOL® products required to model your application depends on several factors and may include boundary conditions, material properties, physics interfaces, and part libraries. Particular functionality may be common to several products. To determine the right combination of products for your modeling needs, review the Specification Chart and make use of a free evaluation license. The COMSOL Sales and Support teams are available for answering any questions you may have regarding this.