A Novel Design and Structural Parameters Optimization of Electrostatic Coupled Fringing Electric Field Sensor

To improve the electrostatic sensitivity of wear debris sensors in the aeroengine oil system, this article designs a novel electrostatic coupled fringing electric field sensor. Response surface method with genetic particle swarm optimization (RSM-GAPSO) is proposed for this sensor to optimize multiple parameters simultaneously. Pareto solutions obtain the optimal solution of structural parameters; the capacitance value and electric field strength are associated. The metal particle dropping experiments are used to validate the feasibility of the theoretical results. The result shows that the novel sensor enhances electrostatic sensitivity by about 30% compared to pre-optimization sensors; the axis length of the induction electrode and the radius of the shielding shell notably affect electrostatic sensitivity, while the length of the protection electrode has a relatively more minor impact. The optimized structural parameters of the sensor are as follows: the induction electrode axis length is 6 mm, induction electrode spacing is 33.28 mm, the excitation electrode axis length is 7.62 mm, the protection electrode axis length is 6.25 mm, and the shielding shell radius is 10 mm.