Total energy calculation for electrostatic field

• Main Author: I. Popov
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Krylov State Research Centre 2020-06-01
• Series: Труды Крыловского государственного научного центра
• Subjects: total; conditionally realized; unrealizable; accumulated energy; similar charges; different charges
• Online Access: https://transactions-ksrc.ru/eng/archive/total-energy-calculation-for-electrostatic-field/

Object and purpose of research. This paper discusses an electrostatic field generated by a system of two similar or different charges. Calculations are performed for the charges on spherical non-conducting surfaces. Calculation results can be generalized for charged objects of whatever shape. The purpose of this study was to improve accuracy of electrostatic calculations to eliminate the possibility of incorrect results (infinite energy). Materials and methods. The study was performed as per electrostatic methods. Field energy was obtained as per two methods: energy density and volumetric integration, as well as through calculation of the work done by a hypothetical movement of charged objects. Main results. This paper suggests three definitions of electrostatic energy types, as well as their calculation formulae for different combinations of charges. Conclusion. Additive constant in the potential energy formula for electrostatic field is the total accumulated electrostatic energy of two similarly charged spheres at zero distance between their centers.